Decoding Prabowo‘s Interaction Crisis: Why Public Perception Matters

Table of Contents

• Decoding Prabowo’s Interaction Crisis: Why Public Perception Matters
  • Indonesia’s Communication Conundrum: A Lesson for the U.S.
  • The Building Blocks of Effective Government Communication
  • The Presidential communication Office: A Critical Role
  • A Leader’s Communication Style: setting the Tone
  • Lessons for the United States and Beyond
  • Practical Steps for Enhancement
  • Recent Developments and Future implications
• from Indonesia to the U.S.: Can government Dialog Bridge the Public Perception Gap?
  • Decoding the Communication Crisis: A Conversation with Dr. Eleanor Vance
  • The future of Government Communication

By World Today News | Published: October 26, 2025

Indonesia‘s Communication Conundrum: A Lesson for the U.S.

president Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia recently issued a directive to overhaul the nation’s public communication strategy,a move that resonates deeply wiht the challenges faced by administrations worldwide,including here in the United States. The core issue? A disconnect between government policies and the public’s understanding and acceptance of them. This isn’t just an Indonesian problem; it’s a universal challenge that underscores the critical importance of clear, consistent, and empathetic communication in governance.

Dr.Anya Sharma, a leading expert in political communication, explains, “The core issue is a disconnect between the indonesian government’s policies and the public’s understanding of those policies. This isn’t necessarily a reflection on the quality of the policies themselves, but rather on how effectively they’re being communicated.”

The Building Blocks of Effective Government Communication

So, what are the key ingredients for effective government communication? Dr. Sharma outlines several crucial aspects:

• Clarity: Messages must be clear, concise, and easily understandable. Technical jargon shoudl be avoided. Think of how the Affordable Care act (ACA) was initially rolled out in the U.S. The complex language and confusing enrollment process led to widespread frustration and misunderstanding, hindering its initial success.
• Consistency: Information should be consistent across all communication channels to avoid confusion and maintain credibility.The Trump administration, for example, often faced criticism for inconsistent messaging from different officials, leading to public distrust.
• Openness: Government processes and decisions benefit from openness.Openness builds trust and accountability. The Watergate scandal serves as a stark reminder of how a lack of transparency can erode public confidence in government.
• empathy: Understanding the public’s concerns and perspectives is essential. Communication should address those concerns directly. President Biden’s efforts to address inflation and rising gas prices demonstrate the importance of acknowledging and responding to the public’s economic anxieties.
• Accessibility: Utilizing multiple channels—social media, town halls, traditional media—is essential to reach diverse audiences. President Obama’s use of social media to connect with younger voters was a groundbreaking example of leveraging new communication channels.

dr. Sharma emphasizes, “The key takeaway is to focus on the people you’re trying to reach; it’s all about how they receive the information. this is the most crucial element.”

The Presidential communication Office: A Critical Role

The Presidential Communication Office (PCO) plays a pivotal role in shaping public perception.In Indonesia, as in the U.S.with the White House Communications Director, the head of the PCO acts as the primary voice of the government. Any misstep or “blunder,” as described in the original article, can have meaningful political repercussions.

The article mentions communication missteps by the head of the PCO.Dr. sharma elaborates,”Communication professionals with backgrounds in public relations or media are ideal for leading communication offices; however,if someone’s communication background is lacking,there is a chance that they are unfamiliar with elements of communication strategy. It may lead to gaffes and diminish public trust in the government.”

A Leader’s Communication Style: setting the Tone

A leader’s personal communication style can substantially impact public perception. President Prabowo’s use of controversial terms, such as “Ndasmu” and “Dogs Barking,” drew criticism, highlighting the importance of mindful communication.

Dr. Sharma explains, “If a leader’s public statements are perceived as aggressive or dismissive, it can erode trust and undermine the government’s broader messaging, no matter how impactful the underlying programs are. This is where being mindful of tone, word choice, and overall approach is essential. It’s about ensuring every interaction reflects the values the government wants to project to its citizens.”

Lessons for the United States and Beyond

The challenges faced by President prabowo in Indonesia offer valuable lessons for leaders worldwide, including those in the United States. Here are some key takeaways:

• Prioritize Effective Communication: Governments must make effective communication as important as policy development.
• Invest in Communication Teams: Ensure that experienced communication professionals with real-world expertise run these departments.
• Listen to the Public: Implement feedback mechanisms to understand public concerns and tailor communication strategies accordingly. Town hall meetings, online surveys, and social media monitoring can provide valuable insights.
• Lead by Example: Leaders must embody the desired communication style. Thier words and actions should reflect the values of transparency,empathy,and respect.

Practical Steps for Enhancement

So, what practical steps can the Indonesian government, or any government facing similar challenges, take to improve public understanding and rebuild trust? Dr.Sharma offers the following advice:

• Conduct a comprehensive communication audit: Evaluate all current communication channels, messages, and strategies to determine what’s working and what’s not.
• Invest in training and professional development: the Presidential Communication Office needs experts with experience in strategic communication, media relations, and public relations.
• Develop a clear and consistent messaging framework: Define the key themes, messages, and narratives that the government wants to convey to the public. this framework should be consistent across all communications.
• Embrace multiple communication channels: The Indonesian government should use various channels, including social media, town hall meetings, press conferences, and collaborations with content developers.
• Prioritize direct engagement with the public: Provide opportunities for citizens to engage in two-way conversations with government officials. Listen to their concerns, answer questions transparently, and show responsiveness.

Recent Developments and Future implications

Since President Prabowo’s directive, there have been some initial steps taken to revamp the communication strategy. The government has announced plans to increase its presence on social media platforms and to hold more frequent town hall meetings.However, the success of these efforts will depend on the government’s ability to address the underlying issues of clarity, consistency, and empathy in its communication.

The Indonesian case serves as a reminder that effective government communication is not just about disseminating information; it’s about building trust and fostering a sense of shared understanding between the government and its citizens. as the U.S.continues to grapple with its own communication challenges, the lessons from Indonesia offer valuable insights into the importance of clear, consistent, and empathetic messaging.

from Indonesia to the U.S.: Can government Dialog Bridge the Public Perception Gap?

Can a government’s communication strategy truly determine public trust adn policy success? World Today News sits down with Dr. Eleanor Vance, a leading political communication strategist, to unpack the critical lessons emerging from Indonesia’s recent communication overhaul and their relevance for governance globally.

Decoding the Communication Crisis: A Conversation with Dr. Eleanor Vance

Senior Editor, World Today News (WTN): Dr. vance, thank you for joining us.The Indonesian government’s recent directive to revamp its public communication strategy has sparked meaningful interest. In your view, what’s the core issue that President Prabowo is attempting to address, and why should it matter to administrations here in the United States?

Dr. Eleanor Vance: Thank you for having me. The central challenge President Prabowo faces, and one that resonates across the globe, including in the US, is the disconnect between the government’s policies and the public’s understanding and acceptance of these policies. This isn’t solely about the quality of the policies; it’s fundamentally about how effectively they are communicated. When the public doesn’t understand or trust the government’s messaging, even the most well-intentioned policies can falter. This erosion of trust can lead to public alienation, policy resistance, and ultimately, hinder the government’s ability to govern effectively. It underscores the need for a robust, well-defined government communication strategy [[1]].

WTN: The article mentions several building blocks for effective government communication, including clarity, consistency, and empathy. Could you elaborate on the importance of these elements?

Dr. Vance: Absolutely. These are not just buzzwords; they are the cornerstones of triumphant government communication. Consider:

• Clarity: Messages must be easily understood by the general public, avoiding jargon and technical terms. For example, the initial rollout of complex financial aid programs can fail if the terms and conditions are not presented in a clear and concise manner. Clear communication eliminates confusion and promotes understanding, ensuring that policies reach the intended audience.
• Consistency: A consistent message across all platforms—from official statements to social media—builds credibility. Inconsistencies, as seen during various administrations, can erode public trust as officials appear to be communicating at cross purposes or are unable to present a united front. This can lead to skepticism, rumor-mongering, and a loss of faith in the government’s word.
• Openness: Openness in government processes fosters trust. this may include open meetings, accessible reports, and clear channels for public feedback. The lack of transparency can breed suspicion, as seen during the Watergate scandal, undermining faith in government and leading to a sense of mistrust.
• Empathy: Understanding and acknowledging the public’s concerns and perspectives is also crucial.The most successful communicators anticipate and respond to the public’s anxieties. Policy rollouts should be addressed by understanding and responding to the public’s concerns.
• Accessibility: Using multiple channels—social media, town halls, traditional media—to reach diverse audiences is vital. This multi-channel approach ensures broader reach and allows for diverse communication styles that can connect with different parts of the population.

these elements work in concert. Effective communication strategies ensure that the public is informed, engaged, and feels heard [[3]].

WTN: The article highlights the role of the Presidential Communication Office. how critical is this office in shaping public perception, and what expertise is needed within its leadership?

Dr. Vance: The Presidential Communication Office is absolutely critical. It serves as the primary voice of the government, shaping narratives and influencing public understanding. In a world where we’re all exposed to various media and information sources, the PCO’s role is paramount. The head of the PCO, much like the White House Communications Director in the U.S.,bears a considerable degree of responsibility when it comes to maintaining public trust and confidence.

Ideally, this office should be led by experienced communication strategists with backgrounds in public relations or media. Their expertise needs to extend beyond just press releases: It must include crisis communication, proactive media relations, and an understanding of public opinion. without this expertise, the PCO may make communication missteps that can seriously diminish public trust in the government.Furthermore, effective government crisis communication relies on engagement [[2]].

WTN: Leadership style clearly impacts public perception. what’s your take on the role of a leader’s communication style, and how does it affect the government’s broader messaging?

Dr. Vance: A leader’s communication style sets the tone for the entire administration. If a leader’s public statements are perceived as aggressive, dismissive, or out of touch, it can directly undermine the government’s broader messaging. Leaders must be mindful of their tone, word choice, and overall approach in every interaction. This impacts the overall brand image of the administration.

Such as, a leader who uses divisive language can alienate segments of the population, regardless of the impact of the underlying programs. Conversely, a leader who communicates with empathy, respect, and transparency can build strong relationships with the public, fostering trust and encouraging support for government initiatives.

WTN: What specific lessons can the United States and other nations take from Indonesia’s communication challenges to improve public understanding?

Dr. Vance: Here are some key takeaways:

• Prioritize Effective Communication: Place equal importance on policy and communication.
• Invest in Expert Communication Teams: staff communication offices with experienced professionals.
• Listen to the Public: Use polls, surveys, and social media to grasp public concerns and tailor communication.
• Lead by Example: demonstrate the values of transparency,empathy,and respect in all communications.

the overarching lesson is that effective government communication is not an afterthought; it’s a fundamental aspect of successful governance.

WTN: What practical steps can governments take to improve public understanding and rebuild trust?

Dr. Vance: Governments can implement these steps:

• Conduct communication Audits: Evaluate all current channels, messages, and strategies.
• Invest in Training: Provide professional progress for communication teams.
• Develop a Messaging Framework: Define key themes and narratives for consistency.
• Embrace Diverse Channels: Utilize varied platforms for thorough reach.
• Prioritize direct Engagement: Foster two-way conversations with the public.

These steps are not just about disseminating information; they’re about building relationships with the public. The goal should be a constant feedback loop between policymakers and the people they serve.

The future of Government Communication

WTN: Thank you, Dr. Vance, for your insightful analysis. Where do you see the future of government communication headed?

Dr. Vance: The future lies in a more sophisticated and adaptable approach. We’ll see governments leveraging data analytics to understand public sentiment, predict reactions, and tailor messages accordingly. Social media will continue to be crucial. It’s not just about broadcasting information, it involves actively engaging in dialogue, responding to concerns, and building communities. The most successful governments will be those that build trust and develop strong relationships with their public.

Furthermore,governments need to be prepared to adapt,evolve and change their communication strategies. Embracing these changes is vital in maintaining relevance and effectively reaching diverse audiences, remaining responsive to their needs, and adapting to evolving societal values.

WTN: thank you, indeed, Dr. Vance, for your expertise.

Dr. Vance: My pleasure.

WTN: The challenges of modern government require a more responsive, empathetic communication strategy. Are the building blocks for effective communication being utilized in your country? Share your thoughts in the comments below.