Political Communications Expert from Padjadjaran University (Unpad) Kunto Adi Wibowo assessed that the apology delivered by President Joko Widodo was a strategy to restore the level of liking or favoritism towards him, towards the end of his term of office.
He saw that lately many people have criticized President Joko Widodo’s government, especially regarding the dynamics of the capital city move from Jakarta to the Indonesian Capital City (IKN). So he observed that Jokowi’s political communication was genius.
“Because by apologizing, but not specifically apologizing for what, what the mistake was, it makes Mr. Jokowi’s acceptance higher,” said Kunto as quoted by Antara, Saturday (3/8).
According to him, the apology delivered by Jokowi could at least neutralize the criticisms. However, he considered that the apology was not only Jokowi’s personal apology, but also represented the government for the past 10 years. The apology was also addressed specifically to his constituents who had elected him in the 2024 Election.
“Apologizing, without then doing something like ‘okay, I’m sorry, in the future I’ll do this or that’, yes, it’s quite free,” he said.
Previously, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) apologized for all mistakes and errors in carrying out his mandate as President of the Republic of Indonesia, which was expressed during the Dhikr and National Prayer event in the courtyard of the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Thursday (1/8) evening.
In his remarks, President Jokowi also apologized on behalf of Vice President Ma’ruf Amin in front of thousands of guests at the opening event that began a series of Independence Month activities ahead of the 79th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia.
“Mr. Vice President, Ladies and Gentlemen, Fellow Countrymen, on this good occasion, on the first day of the month of Independence, August, with all sincerity and humility, allow me and Professor KH Ma’ruf Amin to apologize profusely for all our mistakes and errors so far, especially while we both carry out our mandate as President of the Republic of Indonesia and as Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia,” said Jokowi. (Ant/P-5)
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