About IABC Indonesia Conference & Awards 2026
IABC Indonesia Conference is the flagship annual event hosted by IABC since 2022, making a significant impact across the Asia-Pacific region and worldwide. The themes featured at the IABC Indonesia Conference & Awards consistently serve as a major source of inspiration for diverse institutions navigating their strategic communication plans for the year ahead, setting the benchmark and future direction for high-impact communications in Indonesia. This year’s conference centers on the theme “Driving Communications Impact: Building Trust in the Age of AI”. Carefully chosen to address critical context, relevance, and urgency, this theme reflects key emerging trends and challenges both locally and globally. It aims to serve as a catalyst, spark innovation, and empower business leaders, corporate communicators, and public relations (PR) professionals to maximize communication impact for Indonesia’s sustainable progress.
Special Remarks
The 5th IABC Indonesia Conference 2026, themed “Driving Communications Impact: Building Trust in the Age of AI”, proudly presents:
Special Remarks
Elvera N. Makki
President, IABC Indonesia
Founder & CEO, VMCS Advisory
Date: Friday, September 18, 2026
Location: Ballroom Sasono Mulyo 3, Ground Floor, Le Meridien Hotel Jakarta
About the Speaker
Elvera N. Makki is a seasoned communications leader, social impact advisor, and entrepreneur with over 25 years of cross-industry experience in Public Relations, Sustainability Communications, and Corporate Affairs. She currently serves as President of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Indonesia Chapter and is the Founder & CEO of VMCS Advisory. A 2018 Eisenhower Innovation Fellow, Accredited Business Communicator (ABC), and a certified Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP), Elvera holds master’s degrees—an MBA in Entrepreneurship from SBM ITB and an Master of Science in Health Communication from Boston University, U.S., with a concentration in Visual and Digital Health Communications. A certified AI Communications practitioner, she has been a prominent advocate for values-driven leadership, ethical reputation management, Crisis Management, and community empowerment initiatives across Indonesia.
About the Session
Under the theme THE DISRUPTION OF TRUST: A New Mandate for Communicators in the Age of AI, this Special Remarks session establishes the strategic foundation for the conference by examining how rapid technological acceleration is fundamentally reshaping organizational credibility and stakeholder relationships. Elvera N. Makki will outline the evolving imperative for business communicators to move beyond traditional reputation management toward establishing authentic, values-driven leadership that prioritizes transparency, human empathy, and ethical governance. The session underscores how communications leaders can actively navigate digital disruption, safeguard public trust, and champion a human-centered mandate to drive meaningful, lasting social impact in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Keynote Speakers
The 5th IABC Indonesia Conference 2026, themed “Driving Communications Impact: Building Trust in the Age of AI”, proudly presents:
Keynote Speaker
Ni Luh Djelantik
Indonesian Senator for Bali Province/Member of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI)
Date: Friday, September 18, 2026
Location: Ballroom Sasono Mulyo 3, Ground Floor, Le Meridien Hotel Jakarta
About the Speaker
Ni Luh Djelantik’s powerful advocacy for social justice, economic empowerment, and community welfare in Bali exemplifies values-driven leadership that uniquely qualifies her to deliver the keynote for the IABC Indonesia Conference 2026, themed “Driving Communications Impact: Building Trust in the Age of AI.” Having built her global brand alongside local artisans, her proven commitment to resolving grassroots socio-economic issues demonstrates that authentic trust is earned through transparency, empathy, and tangible community impact. In an era where technological displacement and rapid AI integration risk deepening inequality, her lived experience in fostering ethical practices, protecting local livelihoods, and championing equitable development provides a vital, human-centric model for public governance, showing how trust-based communications and accountable leadership can turn public policies into sustainable, real-world impact.
Meet her in person at the 5th IABC Indonesia Conference & Awards | 2026.
Panelists Session 1 – Managing Trust In The Age of AI: Safeguarding Responsible Growth and Sustainable Impact
The 5th IABC Indonesia Conference 2026, themed “Driving Communications Impact: Building Trust in the Age of AI”, proudly presents:
Panel – Session 1
“Managing Trust In The Age of AI: Safeguarding Responsible Growth and Sustainable Impact”
Date: Friday, September 18, 2026
Location: Ballroom Sasono Mulyo 3, Ground Floor, Le Meridien Hotel Jakarta
Panelists:
- Nurdiana Darus, Director of Communication, Corporate Affairs, Sustainability, Unilever Indonesia
- Dony Indrawan, Communication Relations Manager & Community Involvement & Development, PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia
Conversation Lead:
Wanda Harahap, Senior Communications Practitioner
About Panel Session 1
This session explores how Corporate Affairs, Communication, and Sustainability leaders manage stakeholder trust as artificial intelligence becomes deeply integrated into business operations and strategic communications. Bringing together executive perspectives from national energy and global FMCG sectors, the discussion examines how organizations can align AI adoption with responsible growth, uphold corporate credibility amidst emerging ethical risks, and balance rapid technological acceleration with a human-centered approach to ensure digital transformation delivers sustainable impact.
The 5th IABC Indonesia Conference 2026, themed “Driving Communications Impact: Building Trust in the Age of AI”, proudly presents:
Panelist – Session 1
Dony Indrawan
Communication Relations Manager & Community Involvement & Development, PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia
Date: Friday, September 18, 2026
Location: Ballroom Sasono Mulyo 3, Ground Floor, Le Meridien Hotel Jakarta
About the Panelist
With more than 28 years of experience spanning corporate communications, stakeholder engagement, human resources, and government relations, Dony Indrawan brings a distinctly human-centered perspective to building trust in complex business environments. His more than two decades at Chevron, including experience as a Global Leadership Coach, have shaped his approach to leadership, communication, and stakeholder relationships across diverse national and global settings.
Now serving as Communication Relations Manager, Community Involvement & Development at PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia, Dony operates at the intersection of business, communities, media, and other key stakeholders in Indonesia’s strategic energy sector. His experience offers a relevant perspective on a critical question in the age of AI: as technology transforms how organizations communicate and engage, how can communicators harness its potential while preserving accuracy, authenticity, transparency, and the human relationships that ultimately sustain trust?
About the Session
This session explores how organizations manage stakeholder trust as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into business operations, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications. Panelist Dony Indrawan will address how, despite rapid technological acceleration, he prioritizes a human-centered approach when communicating with both internal and external stakeholders, ensuring that business communicators remain strategic partners in delivering responsible growth and sustainable impact.
The 5th IABC Indonesia Conference 2026, themed “Driving Communications Impact: Building Trust in the Age of AI”, proudly presents:
Panelist – Session 1
Nurdiana Darus
Director of Communication, Corporate Affairs, Sustainability, Unilever Indonesia
Date: Friday, September 18, 2026
Location: Ballroom Sasono Mulyo 3, Ground Floor, Le Meridien Hotel Jakarta
About the Panelist
Nurdiana Darus is a member of the Board of Directors and the Head of Communication, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability at Unilever Indonesia, bringing extensive leadership experience across consulting, corporate management, government, and civil society organizations. Her career spans key executive positions, including Executive Director of the Indonesia Palm Oil Pledge, Deputy Minister at Indonesia’s National REDD+ Agency, and Southeast Asia Director of the Rainforest Alliance. Holding degrees from the University of Oklahoma and The George Washington University, as well as executive training from Harvard and Georgetown, she applies well-rounded expertise in stakeholder management, policy advocacy, and organizational transformation to drive sustainable development.
About the Session
This session explores how Corporate Affairs, Communication, and Sustainability leaders manage stakeholder trust as artificial intelligence becomes deeply integrated into business operations and corporate communications. Panelist Nurdiana Darus will share strategic insights on aligning technology adoption with responsible growth, upholding transparency and corporate credibility amidst emerging ethical risks, and ensuring that digital transformation keeps human values and sustainable impact at the center of organizational strategy.
The 5th IABC Indonesia Conference 2026, themed “Driving Communications Impact: Building Trust in the Age of AI”, proudly presents:
Conversation Lead – Session 1
Wanda Harahap
Senior Communications Practitioner
Date: Friday, September 18, 2026
Location: Ballroom Sasono Mulyo 3, Ground Floor, Le Meridien Hotel Jakarta
About the Conversation Lead
Wanda Harahap is a Senior Communications Practitioner with extensive expertise across corporate communications, public affairs, media relations, employee engagement, and community relations. Known for her strategic mindset, storytelling capabilities, and multitasking leadership, she brings a wealth of experience in navigating complex stakeholder landscapes and driving impactful corporate messaging. She will lead the conversation of Panel Session 1, which will explore how organizations manage stakeholder trust, ensure responsible growth, and maintain sustainable impact in the age of artificial intelligence.
Panelists Session 2 – Building Reputation and Trust: Who Keeps AI Accountable? Innovation, Governance, and The Public Interest
The 5th IABC Indonesia Conference 2026, themed “Driving Communications Impact: Building Trust in the Age of AI”, proudly presents:
Panelist – Session 2
Gilman Pradana Nugraha
Executive Director, Asosiasi Emiten Indonesia (AEI)
Date: Friday, September 18, 2026
Location: Ballroom Sasono Mulyo 3, Ground Floor, Le Meridien Hotel Jakarta
About the Panelist
As the Executive Director of the Indonesian Public Listed Companies Association (Asosiasi Emiten Indonesia or AEI), Gilman Pradana Nugraha brings critical market oversight and capital market expertise to the core discussion of corporate governance. His leadership in representing public companies uniquely equips him to address how emerging artificial intelligence adoption impacts disclosure transparency, investor relations, and regulatory compliance across publicly traded firms.
About the Session
This panel session examines how public companies, market regulators, and business leaders can build robust governance frameworks to maintain market credibility and public trust as artificial intelligence becomes integrated into corporate decision making. Gilman Pradana Nugraha will explore how capital markets ensure accountability, navigate corporate disclosure in an AI driven era, and safeguard investor confidence while fostering ethical technological innovation.
The 5th IABC Indonesia Conference 2026, themed “Driving Communications Impact: Building Trust in the Age of AI”, proudly presents:
Panelist – Session 2
Iim Fahima
Founder of Indonesia AI Institute and Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum
Date: Friday, September 18, 2026
Location: Ballroom Sasono Mulyo 3, Ground Floor, Le Meridien Hotel Jakarta
About the Panelist
Iim Fahima Jachja is the Founder of the Indonesia AI Institute, where she focuses on one of the defining questions of the AI era: as machines become more intelligent, how do we ensure humans continue to think, judge, and lead?
Her work spans AI literacy, human intelligence, responsible AI, and the societal impact of emerging technologies. A World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, she is also the Founder of Queenrides, a globally recognized and awarded women empowerment platform in Indonesia.
About the Session
This session explores how business, technology, policy, and civil society leaders can cultivate an AI ecosystem where innovation and trust thrive in tandem. Panelist Iim Fahima, Founder of the Indonesia AI Institute and Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum, will examine how organizational responsibility evolves as AI increasingly influences decisions affecting customers, employees, and society—elevating the conversation beyond “What can AI do?” to the critical questions of “What should be done with AI, who holds accountability, and how do we ensure humans remain at the center?”
The 5th IABC Indonesia Conference 2026, themed “Driving Communications Impact: Building Trust in the Age of AI”, proudly presents:
Panelist – Session 2
Ronny Tan
Chief Information Officer, Manulife Indonesia
Date: Friday, September 18, 2026
Location: Ballroom Sasono Mulyo 3, Ground Floor, Le Meridien Hotel Jakarta
About the Panelist
Ronny Tan is a visionary technology executive and Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Manulife Indonesia, with over two decades of experience driving enterprise-wide digital transformation across leading financial institutions. Known for translating complex IT challenges into scalable solutions, he specializes in modernizing legacy systems, implementing cloud and AI strategies, and fostering agile cultures to support business growth and customer-centric outcomes. Deeply experienced in banking and insurance, Ronny is a trusted partner to executive teams, adept at navigating regulatory landscapes while building high-performing tech organizations to future-proof businesses in a rapidly evolving market.
About the Session
This session explores how leaders across business, technology, policy, and civil society can build an AI ecosystem where innovation and trust thrive in tandem. As AI increasingly impacts decisions affecting customers, employees, and society, the discussion examines the evolving nature of organizational responsibility, elevating the narrative beyond “What can AI do?” to the critical questions of “What should be done with AI, who holds accountability, and how do we ensure humans remain at the center?”
The 5th IABC Indonesia Conference 2026, themed “Driving Communications Impact: Building Trust in the Age of AI”, proudly presents:
Conversation Lead – Session 2
Timothy Gerard
Chief Communications Officer
Kurasi Media Nusantara
Date: Friday, September 18, 2026
Location: Ballroom Sasono Mulyo 3, Ground Floor, Le Meridien Hotel Jakarta
About the Conversation Lead
Timothy Gerard is the Co-Founder and Chief Corporate Communications of Kurasi Media Nusantara, a Media Monitoring & Social Listening technology company. As a media intelligence entrepreneur and communications practitioner, Timothy works closely with conversations, narratives, and emerging issues across media and digital platforms. His experience in turning data into actionable insights gives him a unique perspective on how innovation is perceived, questioned, and ultimately trusted by the public.
Panelists Session 3 – Who Do We Trust Now? Journalism, Truth and Influence in the Age of AI
The 5th IABC Indonesia Conference 2026, themed “Driving Communications Impact: Building Trust in the Age of AI”, proudly presents:
Panelist – Session 3
Fachrudin Ali
Ketua Ikatan Pranata Humas Indonesia (IPRA HUMAS)
Date: Friday, September 18, 2026
Location: Ballroom Sasono Mulyo 3, Ground Floor, Le Meridien Hotel Jakarta
About the Panelist
Fachrudin Ali Ahmad currently serves as Chairman of Ikatan Pranata Humas (Iprahumas) Indonesia for the 2025–2027 period and as Public Relations Officer at the Agency for Health Policy and Development, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia. With extensive experience in government communications, Fachrudin is known for his thought leadership in strengthening transparency, credibility, and collaboration across public sector communication networks.
About the Session
This session explores how public institutions and government bodies can ensure official communications remain trusted in an era of extreme information overload. Panelist Fachrudin Ali, Chairman of Iprahumas Indonesia, will examine how government PR must evolve from simply disseminating information to actively building credibility, responsiveness, and public confidence across diverse communication networks.
The 5th IABC Indonesia Conference 2026, themed “Driving Communications Impact: Building Trust in the Age of AI”, proudly presents:
Panelist – Session 3
Sabrina Azmi
General Manager, Indonesia, CARMA
Date: Friday, September 18, 2026
Location: Ballroom Sasono Mulyo 3, Ground Floor, Le Meridien Hotel Jakarta
About the Panelist
Sabrina Azmi is an AMEC-certified communications analysis specialist who leads CARMA in Indonesia, leveraging over eight years of hands-on media intelligence expertise to deliver award-winning research solutions for global clients. Having previously driven client services and research frameworks across Asia, she brings an evidence-based approach to measuring reputation and media landscapes. Her proven leadership in transforming data into strategic insights uniquely positions her to address the evolving dynamics of media influence, information integrity, and public trust in the era of artificial intelligence.
About the Session
This session examines how traditional measures of communications success are being challenged as artificial intelligence, algorithms, social platforms, and creators reshape the information ecosystem. Panelist Sabrina Azmi will share an evidence-based perspective on distinguishing visibility from influence, evaluating how media intelligence can help organizations navigate fragmented content, and turning audience data into actionable decisions to build sustainable credibility in the AI era.
The 5th IABC Indonesia Conference 2026, themed “Driving Communications Impact: Building Trust in the Age of AI”, proudly presents:
Panelist – Session 3
Suwarjono
Vice Chairman of The Indonesian Cyber Media Association (AMSI) and Chief Editor of Suara.com
Date: Friday, September 18, 2026
Location: Ballroom Sasono Mulyo 3, Ground Floor, Le Meridien Hotel Jakarta
About the Panelist
As a seasoned journalist serving as Chief Editor of Suara.com and Vice Chairman of the Indonesian Cyber Media Association (AMSI), Suwarjono brings extensive experience in guiding digital transformation and press independence. His leadership in fostering a healthy cyber media ecosystem and navigating the modern information landscape uniquely positions him to address information integrity, the future of quality journalism, and public trust in the age of artificial intelligence.
About the Session
This session explores how journalism and the media ecosystem can rebuild and maintain public trust as AI, algorithms, content creators, and disinformation reshape how society consumes information. Panelist Suwarjono will examine media landscape disruptions, the evolving boundary between journalists and creators, and strategic approaches to upholding verification and ethical standards for a credible, sustainable information ecosystem in the AI era.
The 5th IABC Indonesia Conference 2026, themed “Driving Communications Impact: Building Trust in the Age of AI”, proudly presents:
Panelist – Session 3
Dr. Hendriyani, S.Sos., M.Si.
Communications Lecturer, Vice Dean for Education, Research and Student Affairs, FISIP, Universitas Indonesia
Date: Friday, September 18, 2026
Location: Ballroom Sasono Mulyo 3, Ground Floor, Le Meridien Hotel Jakarta
About the Panelist
As a leading communication scholar at Universitas Indonesia, Dr. Hendriyani brings extensive expertise in media literacy, digital identity, and critical audience engagement in mediated spaces. Her pioneering research in establishing media literacy frameworks as core digital competencies, combined with her dedication to strengthening public resilience against contemporary media challenges, uniquely positions her to address the psychological, social, and educational foundations of rebuilding public trust in the age of artificial intelligence.
About the Session
This session explores how trust in information is shaped and transformed in the AI era, amid falling global news trust and rising concerns over disinformation. From an academic perspective, the discussion examines how psychological factors and algorithms influence audience trust, the shifting nature of information gatekeeping, and the strategic responsibility of higher education and media in fostering critical thinking and AI literacy as the bedrock of societal information resilience.
The 5th IABC Indonesia Conference 2026, themed “Driving Communications Impact: Building Trust in the Age of AI”, proudly presents:
Conversation Lead – Session 3
Mila Lubis
Head of Public Relations & Influence, Ogilvy Indonesia
Date: Friday, September 18, 2026
Location: Ballroom Sasono Mulyo 3, Ground Floor, Le Meridien Hotel Jakarta
About the Conversation Lead
Mila Lubis is a Strategic Communications practitioner with over 25 years of cross-industry experience in reputation management, crisis communications, and government relations across Southeast Asia. Having led high-performing regional teams and driven business growth for global agencies and blue-chip corporations including Ogilvy, Nielsen, and AirAsia, she brings deep expertise in navigating complex stakeholder landscapes. Her proven track record in delivering high-impact communication strategies that align with business growth uniquely positions her to guide this conversation, examining how journalism, media, and creators can rebuild public trust and information integrity in the age of AI. She will lead the conversation of Panel Session 3, which will explore how journalism, media ecosystems, and content creators can navigate information integrity, audience trust, and changing influence in the age of AI.