From 18 to 19 April 2024, a training event “Public Relations Training: Website and Social Media Management” was held at Aston Nagoya City Hotel, Batam. The event was a result of collaboration between SEAMEO Centres Indonesia (SCI) and Professional Development Centre for Educators of Riau Islands Province. This event was attended by 50 participants comprising public relations staff and social media managers from seven SCI as well as the Professional Development Centre for Educators of West Java, Banten, Riau Islands Province, North Sumatra, Jambi, Lampung, and Education Department of Riau Islands Province. SEAQIS was represented by Mr Zuhe Safitra as the Acting Director, accompanied by Ms Ayu Intan Harisbaya and Ms Amallia Yuliana as the Partnership and Publications Division staffs.
The training materials were delivered by experts from Professional Development Centre for Educators of Riau Islands Province, SEAMEO QITEP in Language, Ministry of Communications and Informatics, Bureau of Cooperation and Public Relations of Indonesia Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology, SEA Today, and SEASIA.co.
The main point of this training is about the importance of social media management in building a strong online presence. To achieve success, consistency and unique ideas are inseparable. In this era, people’s preferences for content have shifted; they tend to be more interested in entertaining or touching content, even if the visual quality may not be extraordinary. The key is clarity in conveying information, as clear content will leave a stronger impression on the audience. Moreover, this is the era of collaboration. Collaboration among various stakeholders is crucial in improving the quality and quantity of publications. By working together, we can combine strengths and resources to create more meaningful content and reach more people.
Dr Misbah Fikrianto, Deputy Director of Administration at SEAMEO QITEP in Language, emphasised in his speech the necessity of close cooperation both at national and international levels to enhance the effectiveness of public relations. He highlighted the importance of public relations training to ensure the constructive collaboration of all involved parties.
Dr Imam Edi Priyanto, the Head of Professional Development Centre for Educators of Riau Islands Province, highlighted the crucial role of public relations in disseminating various best practices from the education sector through online media, thus serving as learning opportunities for many individuals. Additionally, Mr Tri Wahyu Rubianto, as the Head of Education Department of Batam, delivered a welcoming address and officially inaugurated the event.
