Jakarta, September 26, 2025 — S-1 Communication Science Program, Universitas Negeri Jakarta (UNJ), officially launched an international cultural exchange project with students from HSE University, Russia, through an online kickoff meeting. The session was led by Elizaveta A. Smirnova from HSE University and Dr. Dini Safitri, S.Sos., M.Si., CPR., Coordinator of S-1 Communication Science UNJ. Selected student representatives from both universities joined the meeting, marking the start of a seven-week collaboration.
The collaboration is designed under the initiative titled Snapshots of Russian and Indonesian Culture. Conducted as part of the Communication Theory course taught by Dr. Kinkin Subarsa Putry, M.Si., this project engages students from both universities to produce short videos that illustrate cultural similarities and differences between Indonesia and Russia. Several potential themes were raised during the discussion, including student daily life, shopping habits, culinary traditions, architectural styles, and national holidays. In addition, students were encouraged to bring forward their own ideas so that the project reflects diverse perspectives.
To realize the project, participants were divided into two mixed teams consisting of students from both universities. Team A included Fathir Azkamory Chesterian and Ludwina Martha Romawan from UNJ, together with Christina Urosova and Anastasia Prokopeva from HSE. Team B included Fatimatuzzahro Nabila Amalia and Vannisa Paramitha Junaidi from UNJ, together with Degtereva Anna Grigorievna and Mikhaleva Sergeevna Polina from HSE. The teams are responsible for selecting a topic, preparing a script, and producing a three-minute video that highlights cultural narratives from Indonesia and Russia. The final works are scheduled for completion by mid-November 2025, giving students around seven weeks to conduct discussions, exchange ideas, and develop their content. This arrangement is expected to strengthen cross-cultural teamwork, while at the same time encouraging creativity and equal participation from every member involved.
The meeting also discussed the mechanism of coordination that will support the progress of the project. It was agreed that further communication would take place through online channels, making it possible for both sides to interact regularly despite time zone differences between Jakarta and Russia. Students will independently manage the collaboration within their teams, while lecturers and representatives serve as facilitators and overall coordinators. This method allows participants to practice autonomy while still maintaining guidance when needed.
The Coordinator of S-1 Communication Science UNJ, Dr. Dini Safitri, S.Sos., M.Si., CPR., stated, “Alhamdulillah, after several rounds of preparation, we have finally managed to hold this online meeting that brings together students from both universities to collaborate on a project about intercultural communication between Russia and Indonesia.”.
This project is expected to provide students with valuable international experience and the opportunity to develop cross-cultural communication skills. Beyond producing creative video content, the collaboration also aims to strengthen academic ties between Universitas Negeri Jakarta and HSE University. Both institutions view this initiative as a platform to nurture mutual understanding, cultural appreciation, and lasting networks among students. In the long run, the collaboration is expected to become a model for future academic and cultural partnerships.