Analyst: Officials Should Be Close to the People Even If Labelled as Image-Building
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Political communication analyst Hendri Satrio believes that public officials should appear close to the people, even at the risk of being labelled as engaging in image-building.
Hensa, as he is affectionately known, opines that even if branded as image-building, such visible approaches to the public are indeed good and there is nothing wrong with them.
“There is nothing wrong with that; if it is good and beneficial for the people, then being accused of image-building is fine,” said Hensa in his statement in Jakarta on Wednesday.
He cited as an example a moment when Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya distributed holiday aid to online motorcycle taxi (ojol) drivers at Pasar Senen Station in Central Jakarta, prior to the recent free homecoming departure.
He views such moments as more anticipated by the public than displays of expertise and capability that remain distant from the people.
“Officials or other ministers who wish to follow suit are welcome; it’s better than just talking and debating with the people, which is not on the same level—instead, be close to the people like Teddy,” said Hensa.
He observes that the majority of current government officials are not people-oriented and tend to be elitist towards society.
“Even once, I saw an official who, when asked by the public, told them to learn instead—this is not the kind of response that was expected beforehand,” he stated.
According to him, the public currently needs responses that are more close and warm from public officials.
Therefore, he suggests that the majority of public officials should be more supportive of the people, like the moment with Cabinet Secretary Teddy distributing holiday aid for ojol drivers.
“It’s rare nowadays for officials to be caught sharing blessings spontaneously; if it happens, it’s usually staged, but even if staged, it’s fine as long as it has an impact,” said Hensa.
“Currently, the situation is distant, and moments of closeness with the community are more needed; moreover, these can be utilised to listen to their aspirations,” he continued.
He also urged public officials to be careful in responding to public opinions.
“The public is currently sensitive to elitist responses like that. The current situation requires officials who are present for the people, even if it risks being labelled as image-building, but the people indeed need assistance,” said Hensa.