EduAsiaNews, Jakarta — The Indonesian Association of Communication Studies Lecturers and Researchers (ADPIKI) is strengthening fact-based storytelling skills through its sixth Masterclass, titled “Storytelling in the Era of Artificial Intelligence,” held on Friday, Oct. 30, 2026. The event explored the importance of in-depth observation, empathy, and verification in producing meaningful stories amid the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI).
ADPIKI Deputy Chair Prof. Dr. M. Najieb emphasized the importance of strengthening the competencies of communication lecturers and researchers in responding to technological developments. He said the ability to process information must be accompanied by an understanding of social contexts and a sense of responsibility in communicating facts to the public.
“Technological proficiency must go hand in hand with critical thinking, an understanding of human experiences, and a commitment to information integrity. Storytelling is an important skill for communicating knowledge in a way that brings it closer to the public,” Najieb said.
He added that stronger writing skills could help lecturers and researchers communicate their research findings in ways that are easier for the public to understand. The use of AI, he said, must be accompanied by careful information verification and the ability to identify perspectives relevant to readers’ needs.
Meanwhile, Professor Septiawan Santana Kurnia of the Faculty of Communication Sciences at Universitas Islam Bandung emphasized in his masterclass presentation that literary storytelling combines factual accuracy with narrative techniques that help readers connect with human experiences.
“It is not fiction or falsehood, but rather a presentation that brings facts to life,” Septiawan wrote.
According to Septiawan, narrative writing should portray people as individuals with their own experiences, hopes, and life challenges. This enables readers to understand the human dimension behind an event, including how individual experiences relate to broader social issues.
He outlined several approaches, including direct observation, participant observation, in-depth interviews, and the writer’s own experience as a witness. These methods help gather details that enrich a story while keeping it grounded in research and verification.
Septiawan also highlighted the importance of immersion, or a writer’s deep involvement in understanding the lives of sources. Spending sufficient time in the field enables writers to recognize routines, settings, and experiences that may not emerge during brief interviews.
“The best way to find a more compelling story is not simply to conduct an interview, but to immerse yourself in it,” he said.
Beyond observation, he discussed the importance of developing a distinctive writing voice, structuring a narrative, and building scenes. Details about settings, actions, and actual dialogue can bring a story to life without altering the facts.
“Do not manipulate the facts; instead, interpret the reality,” Septiawan stressed.
In discussing AI, Septiawan identified firsthand experience and a writer’s sensitivity as essential strengths in storytelling. The ability to understand context, recognize irony, and build relationships with sources remains central to producing authentic stories.
Through its sixth Masterclass, ADPIKI provided a learning platform that connects technological developments with fact-based writing skills. Strengthening research, verification, and field observation is expected to help lecturers and researchers communicate knowledge in ways that are engaging, accessible, and accountable.
