Tuesday, 16 June 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM~ Communication expert, Muhammad Azwar, S.Sos., emphasized the importance of a humanistic communication approach and collaboration with Islamic community organizations to strengthen the positive image of the North Sumatra Police. He shared these insights during a thesis presentation seminar at the Dakwah Building Auditorium of the State Islamic University of North Sumatra (UINSU) on Thursday, March 4, 2026.
The proposal defense was officially opened by Dr. Zainun, M.A., Secretary of the Da'wah and Islamic Broadcasting Communication Study Program at UINSU, and concluded by Dr. Rubino, M.A., Head of the Da'wah Study Program, who also served as the academic supervisor.Among those in attendance were UINSU master's students Abdul Fikri Ginting, S.Sos.I., Hamdi Maulana, S.Sos.I., Ari Odwin Sitorus, S.Sos.I., Suci Ramadhani, S.Sos.I., and Anggun Dwi Nanda Nasution, S.Sos.I.
Read Also:Police as a Strategic Social Actor
Azwar explained that the police hold a strategic and sensitive role in social dynamics.
"The police are not only responsible for maintaining security and order but also represent the state in the daily life of society," Azwar said.He added that every action and communication by officers shapes public perception collectively. Therefore, the police's image is crucial for public trust and community cooperation.
Read Also:Recent studies indicate that an empathetic and participatory communication strategy significantly enhances public confidence in law enforcement.
"Humanistic communication allows the community to feel respected, heard, and involved. The police are seen not just as an authority figure but as a service-oriented social partner," Azwar emphasized.
Read Also:Islamic Organizations as Strategic Partners
Azwar highlighted the central role of Islamic community organizations in social structures. Beyond religious functions, they contribute to social education, moral development, and the promotion of values such as Amar Ma'ruf Nahi Munkar.
According to the 2025 North Sumatra Police Community Affairs Directorate, many organizations have a significant membership base and operate in strategic areas:Read Also:
Concrete Cooperation Between North Sumatra Police and Islamic Organizations
Read Also:The North Sumatra Police have established cooperation with major organizations such as Nahdlatul Ulama, Muhammadiyah, and Al Washliyah. Activities include national campaigns, meetings with religious leaders, and drug prevention outreach in mosques.
These initiatives reinforce inclusive, humanistic, and dialogue-based police communication while confirming the role of Islamic organizations as strategic partners in promoting social stability and moral values. The dominance of NU, Muhammadiyah, and Al Washliyah is due to their structural stability, large membership, and commitment to religious and national moderation. They act as cultural mediators between the police and society.
Challenges and Opportunities in Humanistic CommunicationDespite ongoing cooperation, some interactions remain programmatic and occasional.
Read Also:"In-depth, participatory dialogue spaces to align perceptions are still limited," Azwar noted.
Previous studies focused mainly on public relations and institutional publications, while the humanistic dimension emphasizing empathy and interpersonal relationships with religious communities has been underexplored.
Azwar's research focuses on three areas: humanistic communication, Islamic community organizations as active communication partners, and qualitative case studies in North Sumatra. This approach captures social, cultural, and religious dynamics comprehensively, providing practical recommendations for a police communication strategy based on humanity and social partnership. (IDNC)REPORTER: Darmailawati
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