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: Indonesian Trade Minister Boosts North Sumatran SMEs: 9 Tons of Bananas Exported to Malaysia Police as a Strategic Social ActorAzwar 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.
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"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.
Mass communication practitioner Muhammad Azwar, S.Sos., poses with examiners after completing his master's thesis proposal defense at the Dakwah Hall of
North Sumatra State Islamic University (UINSU) in Medan on Thursday (March 4, 2026). (PHOTO: Courtesy of Muhammad Azwar)
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According to the 2025 North Sumatra Police Community Affairs Directorate, many organizations have a significant membership base and operate in strategic areas:
Himpunan Mahasiswa Islam (HMI) Medan: 350 membersMajelis Pengkajian Tauhid-Tasawuf Indonesia (MPTT-I): 78 membersAisyiyah Medan (Muhammadiyah): 250 membersJaringan Pemuda dan Remaja Mesjid Indonesia (JPRMI): 150 membersIkatan Keluarga Muslim Sibio-bio: 150 membersBadan Komunikasi Pemuda Remaja Mesjid Indonesia (BKPRMI): 100 membersDewan Pimpinan Cabang Al-Ittihadiyah: 80 membersRemaja Mesjid Pecinta Alam (REMPALA): 100 membersAngkatan Putri Al Washliyah: 150 membersIkatan Pengusaha Muslimah Indonesia (IPEMI): 450 membersGerakan Mitra Santri Nusantara (Nahdlatul Ulama): 300 membersDPP Badan Koordinasi Pemuda Muslim (BAKOPAM): 400 members
Read Also: Mass Communication Practitioners Appreciate the Three Pillars of North Sumatra Police’s Success These organizations provide the police with strategic platforms for public education, drug prevention, and building a positive image through participatory, community-oriented approaches.
Mass communication practitioner Muhammad Azwar, S.Sos., poses with fellow master's students after completing his thesis proposal defense at the Dakwah Hall of North Sumatra State Islamic University (UINSU) in Medan on Thursday (March 4, 2026). (PHOTO: Courtesy of Muhammad Azwar)
Concrete Cooperation Between North Sumatra Police and Islamic Organizations
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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: North Sumatra Launches Internship Program in Japan to Reduce Unemployment "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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