Weaving Boundaries, Weaving Stories: Integrative Communication for a Sustainable Future
Jakarta, June 3, 2025 – Purpose, a nonprofit organization focused on social issues from the United States, held an inspiring event titled “From Narrative to Action – Stories for Change,” which addressed important themes surrounding communication, collaboration, and sustainability. The event, attended by hundreds of participants from nonprofit organizations, CSOs (Civil Society Organizations), and academia, took place at Hotel Morrissey in Jakarta. It featured expert speakers including Elvera N. Makki, Founder & CEO of VMCS Public Relations and a Communication Studies lecturer at LSPR Communication and Business Institute, as well as Yanuar Nugroho Founder and Advisor NALAR Institute, Longgena Ginting Indonesia Country Director, Purpose, and Michelle Winowatan as moderator.
In her presentation titled “Weaving Divides, Weaving Stories: Integrative Communication for a Sustainable Future”, Elvera emphasized that the power of communication lies not only in creativity, but in clarity of purpose. Before launching an engaging campaign, it is crucial to understand the direction and impact one aims to achieve. “Good communication doesn’t start with a creative idea, but with a clear understanding of its purpose, a well-defined target audience, and thus, requires research to map out issues and stakeholders,” she explained.
(From left to right) Michelle Winowatan (Moderator), Longgena Ginting (Indonesia Country Director, Purpose), Elvera N. Makki (Founder & CEO of VMCS Public Relations), Yanuar Nugroho (Founder and Advisor of NALAR Institute).
Elvera also highlighted the importance of cross-role and cross-sector collaboration in creating impactful campaigns. Integrative communication becomes a key approach to communication that bridges various perspectives, unites values, and builds mutual understanding among stakeholders. This is where the role of a communication professional is truly tested not just as a message deliverer, but as a connector, active listener, and facilitator of dialogue spaces.
Furthermore, Elvera stressed that communication practitioners, especially in public relations, must be equipped with a positive attitude and confidence. This conviction forms the foundation for building trust-based relationships and creating open, collaborative communication environments.
She also reminded the audience that communication cannot stand alone. Real collaboration is needed with communities, media, the private sector, and public institutions. Strong campaigns are born from collective processes, not from a single dominant voice, and it is important to set aside sectoral egos. In this context, co-creation becomes a non-negotiable strategy to build shared solutions from the outset, not just to seek support at the end.
To conclude, Elvera delivered an important message, “Communication doesn’t stop at words. It must be followed by action. In the future, the ability to communicate with empathy, understand social media dynamics, and truly engage with reality will be key skills. PR professionals must not only be present in public spaces but also on the ground engaging, participating, and ensuring that the messages conveyed truly become reality.”
The Stories for Creation event served as a reminder that communication and collaboration are not merely tools, but fundamental foundations for building a stronger and more connected future.
