The Faculty of Communication Sciences at Universitas Padjadjaran (Fikom Unpad) celebrated its 65th Anniversary with a scientific oration on September 18, 2025. On this occasion, Dr. Iriana Bakti, M.Si. delivered an oration titled “Inclusive Environmental Communication in the Era of Climate Crisis: Strategies for Literacy, Participation, and Collective Action for Sustainability.”
Before the oration began, the anniversary celebration opened with a presentation of the achievements accomplished by Fikom’s academic community, particularly throughout 2025, by Dr. Dadang Rahmat Hidayat, S.Sos., S.H., M.Si., Dean of Fikom Unpad. He also presented various milestones achieved by Fikom, such as the rise in the ranking of communication science faculties in Asia. The opening segment was followed by several remarks from invited guests.
The event then continued with the scientific oration by Dr. Iriana. He emphasized that the climate crisis in Indonesia is becoming increasingly real. He referred to 2024 as the hottest year in history, triggering extreme weather, floods, landslides, droughts, and rising sea levels. He also highlighted West Java as the province most frequently affected. Dr. Iriana stressed that this crisis is not only an environmental problem but also a communication problem. He pointed out that scientific facts will not be effective if they are not communicated properly and if all stakeholders are not involved.
Dr. Iriana called for the emergence of inclusive environmental communication, which focuses on justice. This approach ensures fairness for vulnerable groups by actively involving communities in setting agendas, evaluating policies, and making decisions, supported by transparent information.
The oration aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 on Climate Action and SDG 16 on Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. The inclusive communication and public participation emphasized by Dr. Iriana help encourage collective action for climate change mitigation while strengthening fair governance.
He concluded his oration by inviting all parties, from individuals to communities and governments, to take action together. Individuals can build new habits that are more environmentally friendly, communities can provide spaces for discussion, and governments can create regulations that support justice.
Through this scientific oration and the series of events for its 65th Anniversary, Fikom Unpad hopes to inspire the academic community, alumni, and the public to become more concerned about the climate crisis. This moment is expected to strengthen Fikom Unpad’s commitment to serving as a center for education, research, and community service that promotes the creation of inclusive environmental communication.