The Student Press Institution (LPM) Opini of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) at Universitas Diponegoro (Undip) successfully held a community service program, “Opini Goes to School,” at SMA Negeri 12 Semarang on Saturday (04/10) and Saturday (11/10). Under the theme “Media Literacy for Future Journalists,” the event targeted members of the Canopy journalism extracurricular club, aiming to strengthen students’ understanding of the press and media literacy.

This initiative marks a new innovation for LPM Opini, being held for the first time in 2025. Through this program, LPM Opini seeks to expand its role and contribution in journalistic education for students, while also introducing the dynamics of the student press to the school environment through an interactive approach.

In her opening speech, the Chairperson of the event, Niswah Zakiyyatul Falakhiyah, stated that Opini Goes to School aims to enrich students’ insights into the press, including their ability to conduct interviews and write news articles and journalistic pieces.

“Through this activity, we hope the participants can broaden their knowledge about the press and media, and enhance their skills in conducting interviews and writing news and journalistic articles,” Niswah conveyed last Saturday (04/10).

Exploring the World of Press and Practicing as a Journalist

The first day of the event, Saturday (04/10), featured presentations by LPM Opini members on two main topics. The material on “Introduction to the Press and Propaganda in Media” was delivered by the Online Managing Editor, Taufiqurrahman Alfarisi, and a staff member from the Research Division, Moh. Arif Maulana Azmi. Meanwhile, the session on “Interview Techniques and Journalistic Writing” was presented by the General Manager of LPM Opini, Davino Krisna Hernawan, and the Editor-in-Chief of LPM Opini, Kayla Fauziah Fajri.

Participants practicing journalistic interview techniques and ethics during the first day of the Opini Goes to School event (October 4) at SMA Negeri 12 Semarang.

Following the presentations, the Canopy members were invited to practice journalistic interview techniques and ethics firsthand. Each participant was instructed to role-play as a journalist covering an annual school sports event. They were then asked to prepare a list of questions to ask the event’s organizing committee as material for a news story. Subsequently, several representatives were asked to come forward and directly pose their prepared questions, simulating a real interview scenario.

To conclude the first day, participants were given a challenge to write a journalistic article on a social community theme.

Announcement of Best Articles and Sharing Session

Sharing session during the Opini Goes to School event on the second day (October 11) in the hall of SMA Negeri 12 Semarang

Moving on to the second day, Saturday (11/10), the event commenced with a feedback session on the articles the participants had been assigned to write on the first day. Feedback covered technical aspects like spelling and punctuation, as well as substantive content. This session also announced the three best articles, judged based on the originality of ideas, coherent and engaging writing style, and depth of analysis.

First place was awarded to Ashyva Jihan Makaella for her piece titled “Bahagia Versi Kamera” Second place was secured by Salma Hanifah Atqiya with her article “Trans Semarang Mulai Sesak Napas: Ketika Bus Kota Tak Lagi Ramah Udara.” Meanwhile, Ragil Briant claimed third place with his work, “Bullying Fisik, Ancaman Nyata bagi Masa Depan Anak Bangsa “

The activity continued with a sharing session between the various divisions of the Canopy club and their corresponding divisions within LPM Opini, fostering discussions on aligned scopes of work.

Concluding the event, the Advisory Lecturer of LPM Opini, Agne Yasa, S.I.Kom., M.A., emphasized in his closing remarks that critical thinking skills need to be instilled from an early age so that Indonesia’s younger generation remains sensitive to social issues.

“Critical thinking skills are not only crucial for university students but also need to be nurtured from the school level. Indonesia needs a young generation capable of critical thinking, and that can start now,” he stated.