Public Trust Becomes Decisive for Corporate Competitiveness in the Digital Era
Digital technology advancements have transformed how companies interact with the public. Previously, corporate communication primarily served as a means of disseminating information; however, its role has evolved into a strategic instrument for building reputation, maintaining trust, and strengthening a company’s position amidst increasingly intense business competition.
In this landscape, positive and measurable media exposure has become a vital factor influencing public perception. The significance of corporate communication was a key focus at the Indonesia Corporate Media Impact Awards 2026, organised by Warta Ekonomi at the Hotel Aryaduta Menteng, Jakarta. Carrying the theme ‘Amplifying Brand Impact Through Measurable Media Presence’, the awards were presented to companies judged to have successfully built effective media exposure while demonstrating positive corporate performance.
Muhamad Ihsan, CEO and Chief Editor of Warta Ekonomi Group, stated that public communication now exerts a growing influence on societal perception of a company. “Amidst the increasingly dense flow of information, media exposure is no longer merely a means of publication, but has become a crucial indicator affecting public perception. Through credible and consistent communication, corporations can build trust while demonstrating transparency, accountability, and the quality of their performance,” said Ihsan.
He noted that companies capable of managing communication effectively will possess a competitive advantage in building reputation and maintaining public trust amidst a dynamic media landscape. Ihsan explained that the Indonesia Corporate Media Impact Awards 202<0xA0>6 were based on research combining two main indicators: corporate performance and the effectiveness of media exposure.
The research findings revealed that approximately 66% of the companies studied recorded positive asset growth, while 58% experienced an increase in revenue compared to the previous period. “These findings show that companies with strong business fundamentals tend to have a better ability to build relevant and impactful media exposure,” he added.
Out of 210 monitored companies, 197 met the assessment criteria. Following a thorough verification and evaluation process, 20 companies were designated as recipients of the Indonesia Corporate Media Impact Awards 2026.
Usman Kansong, former Director General of Public Information and Communication at the Ministry of Communication and Informatics (2021–2024), assessed that branding, reputation, and public trust are three interconnected elements supporting business sustainability. He emphasised that a good reputation cannot be built through communication alone but must be supported by consistency between a company’s messages and its actual practices.
“Branding forms reputation, and reputation ultimately determines the level of public trust. Trust can only be built when what a company communicates aligns with what it does,” said Usman. He also warned that long-standing reputations can decline rapidly if companies fail to maintain consistent public communication, noting that media monitoring is essential to anticipate potential communication crises early.