Pekanbaru, October 31, 2025 — The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Riau (FISIP UNRI), held a Sign Language Learning Socialization as an effort to raise awareness and concern among the academic community about inclusivity, particularly in communicating with persons with disabilities. The activity took place in Studio Class II, Postgraduate Building of FISIP UNRI, and was attended by lecturers, education staff, and students.
The event, organized in collaboration with Insan Berguna Nusantara (IBNU) Foundation Pekanbaru, featured two competent speakers — Fenty Widya, S.Pi., M.H., and Yeni Oktavia, S.Psi.Gr. Both shared their knowledge and experience on the basics of communication using sign language as a step toward creating a friendly and inclusive campus environment for everyone.
In his opening remarks, the Dean of FISIP UNRI, Dr. Meyzi Heriyanto, S.Sos., M.Si., emphasized that this activity represents the concrete commitment of FISIP University of Riau to build an academic environment that is inclusive, empathetic, and socially just.
“In higher education, diversity is not merely a social fact but a form of wealth that must be nurtured together. This includes our brothers and sisters with disabilities, who have the same rights to learn, participate, and grow within the academic sphere,” he stated.
“Understanding persons with disabilities means learning to see humans from their abilities, not their limitations. We are encouraged to cultivate social sensitivity and empathy so that our interactions on campus are not only intellectually smart but also socially civilized,” he added.
“Today’s basic sign language training is a small yet meaningful step. By understanding sign language, we are not only learning a new form of communication but also building a bridge of humanity — a bridge between the world that hears and the world that speaks with hands,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the Vice Dean for Finance and General Affairs, Dr. Mayarni, S.Sos., M.Si., expressed appreciation to the committee and participants for organizing an inspiring and beneficial event.
“Thank you to everyone who has contributed. Activities like this not only enrich our knowledge but also foster social awareness in serving others with empathy,” she said.
The Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, Dr. Auradian Marta, S.IP., M.A., also commended the initiative, noting its relevance to strengthening academic quality and character within the faculty.
“Inclusive communication skills are part of the social intelligence every academic should have. We hope this activity marks the beginning of a continuous effort to build a more open and equitable academic culture,” he remarked.
During the presentation session, moderated by Dr. Dian Kurnia Anggreta, S.Sos., M.Si., the speakers delivered their material interactively, covering topics from the introduction of letters and greetings in sign language to basic communication practices applicable in campus settings. Participants showed great enthusiasm and actively engaged throughout the training.
Through this activity, FISIP UNRI aims to cultivate a spirit of care, empathy, and inclusivity among its academic community, in line with the social and humanistic values upheld by the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Riau.
(ENGGY-MH)
