Indonesian Communication Appointments Questioned by Academic

From the perspective of Tempo, an Indonesian news outlet known for its critical and independent reporting, the recent cabinet reshuffle concerning communication roles raises significant questions. The appointment of Hasan Nasbi and Muhammad Qodari as Special Presidential Advisor for Communication and Head of the Government Communication Body, respectively, has been met with skepticism by academics like M. Jamiluddin Ritonga, a lecturer at Esa Unggul University.

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Padahal selama ini komunikasi publik pemerintahan Prabowo kerap menjadi sorotan masyarakat

Ritonga's critique, as reported by Tempo, centers on the perceived lack of relevant expertise. He argues that Nasbi and Qodari, lacking formal communication studies backgrounds, are ill-equipped to handle the nuances of public communication, a critical area for the current administration. The lecturer points out that their experience might be more aligned with political communication rather than the broader public engagement the government needs, especially given past public scrutiny of the Prabowo administration's communication strategies.

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Reshuffle kabinet seperti itu tidak sesuai dengan tujuan reshuffle. Salah satunya untuk penyegaran kabinet guna meningkatkan kinerja kabinet

Tempo highlights that this reshuffle, the fifth under President Prabowo Subianto, appears to contradict the stated goals of cabinet rejuvenation and enhanced performance. The article suggests that instead of bringing in fresh talent with proven public communication skills, the reshuffle has seemingly recycled individuals whose qualifications for the specific roles are questionable. This raises concerns about the administration's commitment to improving its public communication effectiveness and responsiveness to societal expectations.

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Dengan begitu, reshuffle kabinaet di bidang komunikasi benar-benar meningkatkan kinerja, khususnya dalam komunikasi publik

The article notes that both Nasbi and Qodari have not yet responded to Tempo's inquiries. However, Hasan Nasbi was previously quoted expressing a desire to clarify misinformation surrounding the government. Tempo's reporting frames these appointments within the broader context of presidential communication and the ongoing efforts to manage public perception, underscoring the importance of effective communication for any government.

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Termasuk juga mungkin dari pemerintah tentu akan dan harus juga meluruskan hal-hal, berita-berita, pemahaman atau informasi yang tidak benar terhadap pemerintah