New Government Communication Head Qodari: 'I'm the Accelerator Type'

The appointment of M. Qodari as the new Head of the Government Communication Agency (Bakom) signals a potential shift towards a more assertive and proactive government communication strategy. Qodari himself, in his characteristic candid style, likens his approach to a car's accelerator – 'tipe gas, bukan tipe rem' (a gas type, not a brake type). This self-assessment, shared during the handover ceremony, suggests a clear mandate from President Prabowo Subianto to invigorate Bakom's role and intensify its efforts in disseminating government policies and initiatives.

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Kalau saya mendengar dan melihat, ya menganalisa, kemungkinan peran dan tugas Bakom ini ingin ditingkatkan volumenya dan intensitasnya.

Qodari's perspective is that this appointment is driven by President Prabowo's desire to elevate the agency's function. He anticipates Bakom will adopt a more aggressive stance in communicating the administration's agenda, a move he deems crucial given the numerous new government programs requiring fresh communication paradigms. This proactive communication is seen as essential to ensure public understanding and support for the government's actions.

Some observers have interpreted the appointments of Qodari and Hasan Nasbi as special presidential advisors as indicative of a government ready for 'battle.' Qodari directly addresses this interpretation, questioning the notion of constant 'attack' without response. His stance implies a strategic approach where communication is not just about broadcasting information but also about engaging in dialogue and defending government policies effectively. This reflects a dynamic understanding of public relations in the current political climate.

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Kalau ibarat mobil saya ini kan tipenya tipe gas, bukan tipe rem.

This appointment is significant within the Indonesian political landscape. Qodari's previous roles, including Deputy Head and then Head of the Presidential Staff Office (KSP), provide him with extensive experience. His move to Bakom, replacing Angga Raka Prabowo, and the subsequent appointment of former Army Chief of Staff General Purn. Dudung Abdurachman to the KSP position, indicate a reshuffling aimed at strengthening the government's communication and operational arms. From an Indonesian viewpoint, this signifies a government keen on actively shaping public perception and ensuring its message resonates clearly, moving beyond mere information dissemination to a more engaged and responsive form of communication.

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Ini katanya [pengamat] duanya ini tipe penyerang begitu. Wah, ini ngajak ribut gitu. Ya saya langsung komentar begini, emang maunya situ nyerang-nyerang terus nggak ada yang jawab gitu ya? Gitu. Enak aje, sorry ye.