Qodari: Government Must Fill Information Space with Data
The Head of the Government Communications Agency (Bakom), Muhammad Qodari, stated that the government must fill the public information space with the data and information required by the community to prevent it from being filled by versions from other parties.
“The information space is never empty. When the state does not explain, does not present data, and does not present information, there will always be other parties who will explain their own version,” said Qodari during the launch of the book Spokesperson: Perspectives on Political Communication Management in the Era of Disruption at the Antara Heritage Center, Jakarta, on Friday.
Qodari noted that the changing communication landscape means the public now receives information from various sources, particularly social media and video platforms.
“People want to know, but they no as longer obtain information from the same place. Therefore, the sources have become very diverse,” he said.
Qodari emphasised that the delivery of data and information is a vital requirement in government communication, especially when facing crisis situations. He stated that government communication is no longer limited to merely conveying information, but also serves as a manifestation of the state’s presence within society.
In this context, Qodari said that the Government Communications Agency is striving to build coordinated communication through press conferences and information updates regarding the government’s priority programmes.
“The difference is not in how often the state speaks; the difference is whether the state is willing to be questioned or not,” he said.
Qodari added that the government does not speak to seek praise, but to ensure that national policies and programmes can be understood by the public. “The state speaks not to be praised; the state speaks so that it may be understood, and something that is understood is far more likely to be trusted,” Qodari remarked.
On that occasion, Qodari also stated that the book Spokesperson: Perspectives on Political Communication Management in the Era of Disruption is relevant to Bakom’s task of orchestrating the communication of government policies and strategic programmes.
According to him, the book, written by communication practitioner and President Director of LKBN ANTARA, Benny Siga Butar Butar, alongside Marlinda Irwanti Poernomo, provides a framework regarding the role of government spokespersons that aligns with Bakom’s duties as regulated under Presidential Regulation Number 96 of 2025.
Qodari expressed his appreciation to Marlinda Irwanti Poernomo and Benny Siga Butar Butar, whom he noted possess experience from both sides of the communication world. Marlinda has an academic, political, and broadcasting background, while Benny has over 20 years of experience in journalism, corporate communication, and government.
According to Qodari, the backgrounds of both authors provide a complete perspective on the work of a government spokesperson. “This means, ladies and gentlemen, this book was written by two people who have been on both sides of the table—I repeat, both sides of the table. On one side, being asked; on the other, asking. Therefore, this is a very complete and valuable perspective, especially since the theme is the government spokesperson,” Qodari said.