September 1, 2025 | 10:16 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Political communication lecturer at Paramadina University, Hendri Satrio, suggested that Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto should invite mass media editors-in-chief as well as former presidents to help calm the mass-protesting situation in the field.
Referred to as Hensa, he stated that the President needs to engage with mass media journalists in the field. According to him, mass media can help calm the public.
Hensa said that, since President Joko Widodo, the government has also heavily relied on influencers to bridge government communication with the public. Therefore, it would not be wrong for the government to now also engage with influencers to assist when the situation intensifies.
"At present, it is an important moment for Prabowo and the government to improve communication with the mass media. They have become a very important bridge between the government and the public," said Hensa in his written message on Monday, September 1, 2025.
"Or, if the President wishes, the owners of major accounts, these influencers, could be gathered. Then they could be given directions to calm the people," said Hensa.
According to him, Prabowo also needs to build a dialogue with national figures such as the 5th President Megawati Soekarnoputri, the 6th President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, vice presidents such as Try Sutrisno, Boediono, and Jusuf Kalla, as well as Joko Widodo.
"Why do I think it is necessary to invite the previous presidents and vice presidents? Because I am sure they have very good inputs for Mr. Prabowo in addressing the current situation," said Hensa.
Lastly, Hensa suggested that state officials, including directors and commissioners of state-owned enterprises, should not leave the country first and stay with the people. The goal, according to Hensa, is for these state officials to feel and better understand the fate and feelings experienced by the people.
Hensa then urged members of the House of Representatives (DPR) to return to work in the DPR building and communicate with the people. He also reminded state officials to mind their words so as to avoid further riots caused by public communication that the people do not want to hear.
"Communicate well with the people so that by listening to the people, I think they will understand more about the feelings of the people and how the people feel about their current economic condition," said Hensa.
Yesterday, President Prabowo gathered the chairs of political parties and heads of legislative institutions at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on August 31, 2025.
After the meeting, Prabowo allowed all the people to convey their aspirations peacefully. He ensured that their aspirations or demands would be heard and followed up.
He also asked the leaders of the DPR to invite community figures, student figures, and groups who want to convey their aspirations to be received well and engaged in a dialogue.
"To the government, I also instruct all ministries/agencies to receive representatives of groups who want to convey corrections, criticisms, and improvements to the running of the state and the government," said Prabowo.
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