On Tuesday, June 3rd 2025, the Doctoral Program in Cultural and Media Studies held a Doctoral Research Day organized through the Zoom platform from 13.00 to 15.00 WIB. This activity aimed to showcase selected dissertation research from alumni of the Doctoral Program in Cultural and Media Studies (KBM).
The event opened by Mr. Budiawan, S.S., M.A., Ph.D., chief of the KBM doctoral program. He emphasized that the purpose of this event is to highlight the significant research contributions of doctoral alumni, as well as encourage a deeper understanding of cultural and media studies in the contemporary context. He hopes that this discussion can inspire further research and collaboration among the participants.
The session will begin with presentations from two alumni of S3 Cultural and Media Studies. The first presentation will be delivered by Dr. Aidatul Chusna, who will discuss her research titled “Representation of Urban Space and Middle Class in Indonesian Web Series.” This research focuses on the web series “Transit,” “Jejak Warna: Stories of Change,” and ”Nanti Kita Cerita tentang Hari Ini.”
Dr. Aidatul’s research highlights the emergence of web series as an alternative form of digital age entertainment, noting its distinct characteristics compared to traditional television and film. She points out that the three web series analyzed share common themes of representations of urban space and the middle class, positioning web series as new media products and branded forms of entertainment.
It can be concluded, from Dr. Aidatul’s findings, that the experiences of the urban middle class population demonstrate a paradox of modernity. The Indonesian middle class is caught in a tension between the aspirations of modernity characterized by consumerism, career ambition, and social mobility, while facing the limitations of capital and the constraints of social and cultural structures, such as patriarchy. As a form of disguised advertising, web series serve as a negotiation space between commercial interests and social representations, ultimately influencing viewers’ perception of their identity in the midst of modern urban life.
Dr. Rana Akbari Fitriawan, as the second presenter presented his research entitled “Platypus Journalism: A Political-Economic Examination of Digital Journalism Practices.” His research revealed that digital journalism is embedded in a multi-layered system of capitalist exploitation. Using Fuchs’ critical theory of digital labor, Dr. Rana explores how “platypus journalists” are subjected to repression, appropriation, and alienation in both media and platform contexts.
Dr. Rana’s findings suggest that the work of digital journalists is not only vulnerable but also reflects the broader economic and political dynamics that shape their professional experiences. By examining the challenges faced by these journalists, her research contributes to a critical understanding of the evolving digital media landscape and its implications for journalism integrity and workers’ rights.
The participants showed great enthusiasm throughout the event, as evidenced by their active involvement in the lively and in-depth discussions, and Q&A sessions. This positive response reflects the great interest in the issues raised in the research, as well as its relevance to current cultural and media developments.
The Doctoral Research Day is expected to become a regular platform for knowledge sharing, strengthening academic networks, and encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration. Furthermore, this activity is expected to inspire researchers, lecturers, and students to continue developing critical studies that have an impact on the wider community.
Author : Khoirul Mujazanah