Heaptalk, Jakarta — Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) Meutya Hafid emphasized that government public relations (PR) should be more than information messengers. In the era of digital disruption and information overload, PR must be at the forefront of shaping public perception and combating increasingly rampant disinformation.
“We can’t just be reactive, merely responding when issues have already spiraled out of control. We must be proactive, building solid narratives and ensuring that the public receives accurate information from the outset,” Meutya asserted in her speech while opening the Government PR Coordination and Training Meeting at the Communication and Digital Affairs Training Center (Pusdiklat Kemkomdigi) in Jakarta, Wednesday (02/26).
Furthermore, she emphasized that synergy among government PR agencies is not merely technical cooperation but a national strategy for managing public narratives. She likened public relations work to a football team—without coordination, strategy, and precise execution, defeat in the battle of public opinion is inevitable.
“We cannot allow government policies to be defeated by hoaxes and wild narratives played by a few parties. PR must unite, speak with one voice, and ensure that the public well understands government policies,” she said.
According to her, this battle of narratives is becoming more complex with the advancement of digital technology. Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are now the main battlegrounds. According to a Katadata Insight Center survey (2022), 73% of internet users in Indonesia access information through social media, while an IDN Research Institute survey (2025) indicated that 43% of Millennials and Gen-Zers trust information they get from social media more than conventional media.
Meutya said, “Therefore, we can no longer rely on old methods. Government PR must be more creative, innovative, and able to adapt to the information consumption patterns of the public.”
Furthermore, the minister emphasized that access to accurate information is necessary and that human rights are protected by law. She stressed, “The public has the right to receive accurate information. If someone spreads false information, we cannot remain silent. We must fight together.”
The Head of the Presidential Communication Office, Hasan Nasbi, added that every ministry, agency, and local government must have professional communication personnel who adapt to changing times. “Communication is not just a complement to policy but a part of the main strategy for the policy’s success. Even good policies can fail to be understood by the public without good communication,” Hasan concluded.
