Analyst: Officials Should Be Close to the People, Not Debate with Them

Political communication analyst Hendri Satrio (Hensa) assesses that the current administration under President Prabowo Subianto is experiencing a communication emergency. He highlights the tendency of public officials to behave elitistly and maintain distance from society when responding to various national problems. Hensa emphasises that public officials should prioritise a warm and solution-oriented approach towards the people, even if it risks being labelled as image-building. According to him, tangible actions on the ground are far more beneficial than merely arguing with citizens. “If other officials or ministers want to emulate (such people-oriented actions), that’s fine. Rather than just talking and debating with the people, that’s not the level. It’s better to be close to the people,” Hensa stated in his remarks on Wednesday (18/3/2026). Hensa cited the action of Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, who distributed holiday aid to online motorcycle taxi drivers at Pasar Senen Station during the recent free homecoming release. Hensa views such spontaneous moments as more anticipated by the public than displaying technical expertise that feels distant. “There’s nothing wrong with that. If it’s indeed good and beneficial for the people, being accused of image-building is fine. Nowadays, it’s increasingly rare for officials to be caught sharing blessings spontaneously,” he asserted. Hensa also criticised the phenomenon of officials giving anticlimactic responses when interacting with civilians. He noted instances where an official instead asked the public to learn when they raised questions or aspirations. “The public is currently very sensitive to such elitist responses. The current situation requires officials who are present for the people. Even if it potentially gets labelled as image-building, the reality is that the people do need assistance,” said Hensa. He warns that too wide a communication gap between the government and society can hinder the accurate absorption of aspirations. Hensa suggests that ministers and high-ranking officials start changing their communication style to be more inclusive and focused on the basic needs of the people on the ground. “Moments of closeness with society are more needed, which can also be utilised to directly hear their aspirations,” he concluded.