1,476 Patriot Expedition Academics Trained in Empathy-Based Digital Storytelling
The Ministry of Transmigration has equipped 1,476 academics who are part of the 2026 Patriot Expedition Team (TEP) with skills in empathy-based public communication. The rationale is that strengthening transmigration areas requires not only technical data mapping in the field, but also the delivery of powerful and relatable public narratives to unlock the potential of 53 transmigration zones.
The public communication briefing, held in Jakarta on Monday (29/7), was crucial for shifting the old paradigm of one-way communication towards equal and inclusive interaction. Through the perspectives of cross-sector practitioners—namely journalist Marissa Anita, content creator Dr. Nadhira Afifa, and founder of Suara Berkelas Bilal Faranov—participants were equipped with technical skills and ethics in crafting digital narratives that are honest, impactful, and trustworthy.
This empathy-based communication understanding is expected to directly influence how TEP 2026 participants interact with local communities. Participants were encouraged to build trust by prioritising respect for local wisdom through polite speech, so that the community welcomes the TEP’s presence as a partner for mutual growth, rather than as an external assessor.
The briefing also highlighted the importance of delivering sharp narratives using an active voice approach and real data packaged genuinely. In this way, a region’s potential can be conveyed vividly without relying on lavish visual production.
‘But I think the most important thing is to speak to the local community the way we would like to be spoken to. So when we ask them questions to satisfy our curiosity, it is best to do so politely and empathetically,’ said journalist Marissa Anita in a written statement on Sunday (9/8/2026).
In the same session, Dr. Nadhira Afifa stressed that consistency and the usefulness of content are far more important than merely chasing views. ‘The key is actually consistency. Go back to the purpose of your content. When the goal is to share data and something genuine that you believe holds value for the audience, even if the viewers are few or there are no comments, do not lose heart or stop,’ said the content creator.
Through this training, the 2026 Patriot Expedition Team is expected to be able to process field realities into digital narratives that inspire the wider public. Ultimately, these empathy-based stories are intended to spark public attention while generating strategic recommendations to accelerate the transformation of transmigration areas.