Yogyakarta, July 2025 — Writing academic journal articles is not only a requirement for aspiring lecturers or researchers but also a crucial foundation for developing critical thinking skills and constructing systematic arguments. This was emphasized by Indri Dwi Apriliyanti, a lecturer at the Department of Management and Public Policy (MKP) FISIPOL UGM, during a knowledge-sharing session on the importance of academic writing skills for students across disciplines.
In her presentation, Dr. Indri highlighted that many students still question the relevance of journal writing, especially if they do not plan to pursue an academic career. However, she argued that academic writing skills provide long-term benefits across professions. “Writing trains us to think systematically, build data-driven arguments, and communicate ideas clearly to an audience,” she explained.
Indri shared practical strategies for starting to write: choosing a specific topic, conducting a thorough and organized literature review, structuring the paper, and having the courage to start the first draft even if it is far from perfect. She emphasized that the fear of beginning is the greatest barrier for many students and that every piece of writing—including faculty publications—undergoes a lengthy and critical revision process.
“Writing is a process. The first draft is never perfect, but it is from there that we can start building and improving. Don’t fear criticism. It is part of the growth of both your writing and yourself as a writer,” she added.
Selecting appropriate sources is also a key part of academic writing. Dr. Indri advised students to use high-reputation journals such as Scopus or Web of Science, which are subscribed to by UGM, and stressed the importance of reading literature from the leading journals in their respective fields.
This initiative aligns with UGM’s commitment to promoting academic literacy and quality learning, contributing directly to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education. Equipping students with critical thinking and academic writing skills also supports SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, as these skills are essential across various professional sectors that require analytical thinking and effective written communication.
Through this inspiring message, FISIPOL UGM reaffirms its role in shaping a generation of young people who are not only academically competent but also prepared to be critical thinkers and active contributors in social, professional, and intellectual spaces.