Deputy Police Chief: Polri's Public Relations Division is the Frontline Against Hoaxes
Deputy National Police Chief of the Republic of Indonesia (Wakapolri), Komjen Pol. Dedi Prasetyo, has emphasised that the Polri Public Relations Division serves as the frontline in ensuring the public receives accurate, reliable information amidst the torrent of unverified digital content.
Wakapolri noted that the challenges facing the Public Relations Division have grown with the widespread dissemination of hoaxes and disinformation in digital spaces.
“In the midst of this flood of information, Polri’s Public Relations is not just there to deliver news, but to ensure that what reaches the public is the truth,” stated Wakapolri during the Technical Work Meeting (Rakernis) of Polri Public Relations 2026 in Jakarta on Tuesday (14/4).
Wakapolri explained that in the current social media era, information spreads faster than verification processes. This situation can potentially cause public unrest if not balanced with rapid, precise, and credible communication.
Indirectly, Wakapolri affirmed that without a strong public relations role, the public is highly vulnerable to misleading information, which can trigger panic and social conflicts.
“Wrong information can cause unrest, but accurate information can maintain calm. That is where the role of Public Relations becomes extremely important,” he said.
Furthermore, Wakapolri explained that the Public Relations Division has developed modern technology-based communication systems, including the use of big data and artificial intelligence (AI), to detect, analyse, and respond to issues quickly and accurately.
These capabilities allow Polri’s Public Relations not only to clarify, but also to anticipate the potential spread of disinformation before it escalates widely in society.
Wakapolri also emphasised that the information war in the digital era is a real challenge that must be addressed seriously by the Polri institution, with Public Relations holding a central role in maintaining public information stability.
More Than Just a Spokesperson
Wakapolri appreciated the improving quality of media management strategies, which he assessed as getting better year by year. He also conveyed that Polri’s Public Relations serves as a strategic communicator that must manage public perception, particularly in building public trust.
“Public Relations is the voice and ear of the institution. This role places Public Relations at the forefront and the last line of defence in upholding the honour of Polri,” stated Wakapolri.
“Public Relations is not merely a spokesperson, but a strategic communication hub that manages public perception, builds trust, and counters disinformation to support institutional legitimacy,” Wakapolri continued.
The Public Relations Division, according to Wakapolri, must transform through an intelligence-led communication approach, optimising big data and artificial intelligence-based systems such as real-time monitoring, intelligent analysis, and rapid responses to issues.
He also stressed the importance of using a communication framework based on accuracy, relevance, and clear objectives in every content production.
In addition, he highlighted the importance of internalising public relations functions across all levels of the Polri organisation. Referring to Perkap Number 6 of 2023, public relations functions are not only borne by Public Relations personnel, but by all Polri members.
“In the midst of rapidly flowing information, every personnel must have good, precise, and empathetic communication skills,” he said.