Jakarta, July 14, 2025 – Education today is no longer merely about the transfer of knowledge and technology. In the era of globalization, education has become a strategic pathway for building international diplomacy, promoting cultural exchange, and strengthening global relations through social and academic engagement.

This idea is reflected in the experience of Dr. Algooth Putranto, a lecturer in the Communication Studies Program at Universitas Dian Nusantara (UNDIRA), who had the opportunity to teach in Kyiv, Ukraine—despite the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.

His journey began with an invitation from the Ukrainian Ambassador to Indonesia in late 2023. During his first visit to Kyiv as part of the “Voice of Indonesia” delegation alongside other journalists, Dr. Algooth was introduced to the complexities on the ground and witnessed the Ukrainian people’s unwavering spirit for learning.

“The Ambassador asked me, ‘Would you be willing to teach in our country?’ I welcomed the offer, of course. But I also thought—what could I possibly teach in their context?” he recalled.

He eventually decided to teach Communication and Journalism, focusing specifically on how to build cross-national understanding through effective communication—a theme particularly relevant in today’s tense geopolitical climate.

While teaching at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, Dr. Algooth observed that Ukraine’s education system places strong emphasis on critical thinking and early-stage research. However, he also pointed out that many Ukrainian academic findings are often claimed and further developed in Russia.

Beyond intellectual excellence, he was deeply impressed by the manners and enthusiasm of the students in Kyiv. “They told me, ‘It’s rare for a foreigner to come and teach during wartime, so we must show our best attitude.’ That really moved me,” he shared. As a token of appreciation, he even gifted traditional batik to students who actively participated in class discussions.

More than just teaching, Dr. Algooth emphasized that educators also serve as agents of educational diplomacy. In his view, education is part of soft power—a non-military force used to strengthen international ties through the exchange of knowledge, culture, and humanity.

“Educational diplomacy allows for people-to-people diplomacy. Through student exchanges, research collaboration, and cross-border teaching, we build more sustainable bridges of peace—ones born out of human interaction,” he asserted.

As both a journalist and academic, Dr. Algooth also shared his thoughts on the importance of peace journalism. Amid conflict, journalism should be a medium to foster empathy, not worsen the situation.

“Journalists are not mouthpieces of partisanship. We are not here to defend or condemn. Our job is to build understanding. A journalist is, at heart, also an educator,” he explained.

He urged communication and journalism students to remain open-minded, eager to learn, and to carry out their profession with integrity. “The first revelation to Prophet Muhammad was Iqra—read. So it’s odd if journalism students don’t read or study properly. There are no great journalists—only journalists who keep learning and are always ready,” he said.

At the end of the interview, Dr. Algooth concluded that journalism and education are two interconnected elements of diplomacy. A news report doesn’t merely present facts—it also conveys the values of intercultural communication, which form the foundation of international diplomacy.

“When we aim to engage in diplomacy, we must know how to communicate well. And effective communication cannot exist without cultural understanding,” he concluded.