Indonesia's journalism schools face steep decline as students turn away
Fewer young people in Indonesia are now choosing to study journalism, despite the profession's critical role in society. Instead, many are turning to careers in content creation, public relations, or digital media, drawn by better pay, flexibility, and perceived stability. This shift comes at a time when reliable journalism is more important than ever in combating misinformation and supporting democracy.
Since 2020, enrolment in journalism programmes at top universities like Universitas Indonesia and Universitas Gadjah Mada has dropped by 15-20%. The decline is even sharper at institutions such as Universitas Sumatera Utara, where only four students joined the 2023 cohort—down from nine in 2022 and eighteen in 2021. Many students now see journalism as a risky path, associating it with low wages, job insecurity, and isolation compared to fields like advertising or PR.
Universities and the government are trying to reverse this trend. Since 2022, partnerships with media outlets like Kompas and Tempo have expanded internship opportunities. The Ministry of Education also introduced scholarships in 2023 to attract more students. Digital journalism courses have been updated to include new technologies, aiming to make the field more appealing. Yet the media industry itself is struggling. Print advertising revenue has plummeted, and social media algorithms dominate attention, forcing newsrooms to downsize or close. Despite these challenges, some journalism students remain committed, valuing the profession's role in truth-telling and public service. Their idealism persists, even as they face intense competition and pressure to adapt. The future of journalism education hinges on innovation. Schools must integrate technology, strengthen industry ties, and teach critical thinking to prepare students for a rapidly changing media landscape. Without these changes, the decline in interest may continue, leaving a gap in trained professionals just when society needs them most.
The drop in journalism students reflects broader shifts in career priorities and media consumption. While universities and policymakers are taking steps to modernise programmes, the profession's survival depends on its ability to evolve. For now, the gap between the demand for credible journalism and the willingness to pursue it remains wide.
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