Observer: Syahganda possesses the communication style required by Bakom

Political observer Bawono Kumoro believes that Syahganda Nainggolan’s open and straightforward communication style is needed to strengthen the role of the Government Communication Agency (Bakom) in explaining government policies to the public.

“This means being able to explain as clearly as possible to the public that the President is working, doing this, for this purpose, and when and how it will be felt by the wider public,” Bawono said when contacted by ANTARA in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Bawono noted that Syahganda’s communication style is relatively different from previous heads of Bakom, who came from backgrounds as political observers, academics, or figures close to the President.

“Perhaps with that outspoken style, the President considers that this is precisely what is needed,” he remarked.

He stated that such an open and direct communication style can assist the government in explaining the direction and objectives of various ongoing policies to the community.

Bawono assessed that the challenges facing government communication are increasing, particularly as several government policies have medium- and long-term objectives, meaning their benefits are not always immediately felt by the public.

According to Bawono, this condition can create a gap between the policy objectives the government aims to achieve and the public’s understanding.

He believes that good and comprehensive communication is necessary to explain the direction of government policy and when the public can expect to reap the benefits.

He added that the Head of Bakom, the deputy head, experts, and deputies who actively speak in the public arena will serve as the agency’s showcase, which in turn determines public perception of the institution.

“If the showcase is neat, clean, good, and soothing, then people will view the entire shop accordingly,” said Bawono.