UNS — This year National Press Day (HPN) in Indonesia, which falls on February 9th, taking on the theme ‘Recovering from Pandemic, Jakarta as the Gate of Economic Recovery, Press as Transformation Accelerator’. In line with this celebration, the achievement of the alumni of Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta in the journalistic sector is equally interesting to be discussed. Their contribution as a journalist in Surakarta has contributed to the timely and reliable information for the people. One of the UNS alumni, Rini Yustiningsih, who currently serves as Editor in Chief for Solopos newspaper, shares her experiences as a journalist to the uns.ac.id team.
Contacted through Google Meet, Rini states that she started as a journalist since she was in university in 1996. At that time she became a reporter for Ria FM Radio. After spending a year in the position, she was appointed as news director. Further, Rini recounts her interesting experience during her serving time in Ria FM. In 1998 when Gus Dur was appointed ad the President of the Republic of Indonesia, there was a riot. Amid the chaotic condition and destruction of infrastructures by the rioters, Rini did a live report using a cellphone that requires coins for its operation. Before the report was done the time is up, which then requires another coin to be inserted, this left a certain impression for Rini. The outcome was, her live report was very popular with radio listeners at that time.
In 2000, Rini succeeded completing her study and earning her degree in Communication Study. After graduated, who also an alumnus of SMA Negeri 1 Tegal, decided to join a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) as Public Relations and Communicator. However, because of her interest in journalism, Rini, then, decided to left the institution and joined Solopos. “I joined Solopos in 2002 and staying in Solopos until now. Back then, I joined as a reporter. Thus, at that time everyone was given the chance for 3 (three) months of professional internship, those who passed will be appointed as a permanent employee,” Rini explained, Tuesday (9/2/2021).
With her experience in journalism for more than 20 years, Rini states that a journalist must be strong mentally and physically. Moreover, they must have high curiosity, can represent their readers’ questions, and resilient when a problem is stricken. If a person wishes to be a journalist, they must, first, interested in journalism. This interest, according to Rini is passion. Second, the person must have a strong mentality that includes motivation and fighting spirit. Lastly, the attitude, according to her a journalist should not act like a know-it-all person.
For Rini, this year HPN is a momentum for a journalist to deliver credible news. “The press day can be momentum for a journalist to deliver credible information, but journalists also need to be able to fight. Especially during the pandemic, the challenge is how a journalist can still provide credible information and can support their institution,” she admits. Humas UNS
Reporter: Zalfaa Azalia Pursita
Editor: Dwi Hastuti