HISTORIA: Jurnal Program Studi Pendidikan Sejarah Volume 12 (2) 2024 ISSN 2337-4713 (E-ISSN 2442-8728) DOI: 10.24127/hj.v12i2.7989 359 The Role of Bahana Mahasiswa Press in the Field of Education and Malay Culture in Riau (1983-1998) Meila Dita Sukmana 1* , Ahmal 2 , Yuliantoro 3 1,2,3 History Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Riau, Indonesia *correspondence email: meiladitasukmana@gmail.com Received 8 June 2023; Received in revised form 11 October 2023; Accepted 13 October 2023 Abstrak Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah: (1) Untuk mengetahui awal pembentukan pers mahasiswa Bahana Mahasiswa, (2) Untuk mengetahui peran pers mahasiswa Bahana Mahasiswa dalam bidang pendidikan di Riau pada 1983-1998, (3) Untuk mengetahui peran pers mahasiswa Bahana Mahasiswa dalam bidang kebudayaan Melayu di Riau pada 1983-1998. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan historis, metode pengumpulan data dengan studi pustaka, wawancara, dan dokumentasi. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan di Sekretariat Bahana Mahasiswa. Setelah data di kumpulkan, penguji data dilakukan dengan kritik sumber yaitu dengan menguji keaslian sumber yang didapat dengan membandingkan antara data yang satu dengan yang lainnya, seperti membandingkan hasil wawancara dengan bukti tertulis. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian dapat disimpulkan yaitu: (1) Bahana Mahasiswa dibentuk sejak tahun 1982 dan perkembangannya ditandai dengan terbitan perdana pada Juli 1983, (2) Peranan Bahana Mahasiswa dalam bidang pendidikan tidak terlepas dari identitasnya sebagai pers kampus, berita yang diterbitkan selalu mengenai isu pendidikan yang ada di Riau khususnya di Universitas Riau, (3) Peranan Bahana Mahasiswa dalam bidang kebudayaan Melayu hadir dalam bentuk rubrik Gumam dan Kilas Balik yang berisi topik seputar kebudayaan Melayu. Kata kunci: sejarah, peranan, pers mahasiswa, pendidikan, kebudayaan melayu. Abstract The objectives of this research are: (1) To determine the early formation of Bahana Mahasiswa student press, (2) To understand the role of Bahana Mahasiswa student press in the field of education in Riau from 1983 to 1998, (3) To comprehend the role of Bahana Mahasiswa student press in the field of Malay culture in Riau from 1983 to 1998. This research utilized a historical approach, with data collection methods including literature review, interviews, and documentation. The study was conducted at the Bahana Mahasiswa Secretariat. After gathering the data, data validation was performed through source criticism by assessing the authenticity of the obtained sources through comparing data from different sources, such as comparing interview results with written evidence. Based on the research findings, it can be concluded that: (1) Bahana Mahasiswa was established in 1982 and its development was marked by its inaugural publication in July 1983, (2) The role of Bahana Mahasiswa in the field of education is inseparable from its identity as a campus press, with published news always addressing educational issues in Riau, particularly at the University of Riau, (3) The role of Bahana Mahasiswa in the field of Malay culture is manifested through the Gumam and Kilas Balik rubrics, which contain topics related to Malay culture. Keywords: history, role, student press, education, Malay culture. INTRODUCTION The term press is taken from the English word "press" which means mold. Operationally, the press has two meanings, namely the printing business and the effort to convey news through print and electronic media (Efendi, 2010). In a broad sense, the press is a medium for conveying reports in the form of opinions, suggestions, images and facts to the general public. The press is a very influential tool for human life. The press