After experiencing ups and downs in the development of communication science in Riau Province and Sumatra Island in general, with various formations and improvements over the past 15 years, the Communication Science Study Program has once again increased its recognition through international conferences by bringing together communication researchers and practitioners and producing research-based outputs that can be used as a basis and reference for the community, stakeholders, and policymakers as a reference and evaluation for policies and programs that have been or will be created to form a better community ecosystem in terms of Communication and Digital Media, which is currently developing rapidly.

Based on these considerations, this year’s theme of Politics and Local Culture was chosen to narrow the discussion and create a thematic and specific discussion on certain aspects. Politics was chosen because 2024 is “Indonesia’s Political Year,” when a new Indonesian president will be inaugurated and simultaneous regional elections will be held on November 27, 2024. This conference will also be held in November 2024, which we believe will be during the campaign period. It would be a positive intervention if, during this period, an educational institution could present its views in line with the science and educational philosophy characteristic of scientists.