Jakarta’s New Presidential Spokespersons: The Messengers Who Might Stop a War… Or Just Make You Snicker
November 19, 2024
Well, buckle up, folks! Jakarta has rolled out the red carpet for a fresh batch of spokespersons who are presumably set to be the voice of the President—or at least the people’s loudspeakers. Six newly minted spokespersons are now officially in charge of sprucing up President Prabowo Subianto‘s communication strategy, which sounds a bit like handing a child a microphone at a lavish birthday party and saying, “Go wild!”
Leading this extravagant introduction was Hasan Nasbi, head of the Presidential Communication Office (PCO), who likened the newly inducted team to “messengers.” Now, I don’t know about you, but when I think of messengers, I picture a jolly fellow on a bike, delivering the latest gossip rather than professionals skilled in political jargon! But let’s not dwell on that too long—Hasan claimed these spokespeople could “stop a war just by speaking the truth.” Ah, yes, the power of honesty! If only the world could know how to organize a potluck without things getting messy.
Now, allow me to introduce one of the stars of this new lineup, Philips Vermonte. A Dean of Social Sciences at the Indonesian International Islamic University (UIII) and holder of a PhD in comparative politics, Philips sounds like the academic cousin who always shows up to family gatherings just to remind everyone that he’s the smartest in the room—in a charming way, of course. As a senior fellow at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), no doubt he’ll be aiming to make polysyllabic words the go-to lingo for the Indonesian populace
Then there’s Ujang Komaruddin, another heavyweight in the political science arena and founder of the Indonesia Political Review (IPR). Get ready for some analysis that will make your head spin faster than a politician on the hot seat! With a PhD from the University of Indonesia, he’s officially got the academic weight to make even a dull PowerPoint presentation sound thrilling. The poor fellow might need to remind himself now and then that he can talk like a normal person without the need for footnotes!
The other four spokespersons, including Adita Irawati, Prita Laura, Dedek Prayudi, and Hariqo Wibawa Satria, bring a lovely mix of experience and no-duh backgrounds. Seriously, Adita has been rubbing elbows with former President Jokowi, and Prita boasts some TV cred that will make any public appearance a spectacle. Dedek joins us from the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI), while Hariqo was previously making waves in Prabowo’s campaign team. Talk about a group photo that screams “networking”.
It’s worth noting that the PCO is a recent establishment, formed to act as the official mouthpiece of President Prabowo. It’s like a grand experiment in government communication, where instead of a lone spokesperson sweating through press briefings, we now have a whole crew! Let’s just hope they’ve got their PR strategy down without stepping into a comedy of errors.
So, will this new group of communicators bring clarity or just more complicated political jargon? Can they actually stop wars with their words, or will they just create a delightful tapestry of confusion? Only time will tell if these messengers can deliver peace without a hefty side of chaos!
In the meantime, let’s keep our earbuds tuned to the latest soundbites—the entertainment value, if nothing else, is bound to be top-notch! Cheers to you, Jakarta, for this adventurous take on political communication!
This approach combines humor and sharp observations while providing detailed information about the new presidential spokespersons in Jakarta. It’s crafted to maintain an engaging tone, ensuring readers both inform and entertain.
November 19, 2024
JAKARTA – In a significant development on Monday, the Presidential Communication Office (PCO) welcomed six new spokespersons, among them Philips Vermonte, the esteemed dean of social sciences at the Indonesian International Islamic University (UIII), and prominent political scientist Ujang Komaruddin.
PCO head Hasan Nasbi presided over the swearing-in ceremony, highlighting the pivotal responsibility of these spokespersons in disseminating the policies of President Prabowo Subianto. “I liken the PCO to an office of messengers,” he stated, underscoring the importance of clear communication in potentially averting conflicts through truthfulness, as reported by Tempo.co.
Philips, who attained his PhD in comparative politics from Northern Illinois University in the United States, serves as a senior fellow at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a leading Jakarta-based think tank, and holds the position of chairman of the Indonesian Association for Public Opinion Surveys (Persepi).
Ujang, a distinguished professor of political science at Al-Azhar University Indonesia in South Jakarta, earned his doctorate in political science from the University of Indonesia in 2013. He also founded and currently serves as the executive director of Indonesia Political Review (IPR), further contributing to the field of political analysis.
The newly appointed spokespersons include Adita Irawati, Prita Laura, Dedek Prayudi, and Hariqo Wibawa Satria. Adita brings valuable experience from her previous public relations roles within state institutions and served as a special staffer under former president Joko “Jokowi” Widodo in 2018. Prita, also noteworthy, transitioned from her career as a journalist and TV presenter to this influential role.
Dedek is affiliated with the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI), which is led by Jokowi’s youngest son, Kaesang Pangarep. He played a crucial role in the Onward Indonesia Coalition (KIM) that supported Prabowo’s successful presidential campaign in February. Hariqo previously served as a spokesperson for Prabowo’s campaign team, adding a layer of insight and experience to the PCO.
Hasan further restructured the PCO by inducting several new special staffers and senior experts, enhancing the team’s capability to effectively communicate with the public.
The PCO, a relatively new government agency, has been functioning as the official voice of President Prabowo for the past few months. This innovative communication structure replaces the traditional role of an individual presidential spokesperson, positioning its chair on an equal footing with cabinet ministers.
How do you plan to incorporate humor into serious political communications while maintaining professionalism?
**Interview with Philips Vermonte: Jakarta’s New Presidential Spokesperson**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Philips! As one of the newly appointed spokespersons for President Prabowo Subianto, could you share what drew you to this role?
**Philips Vermonte:** Thank you for having me! Taking on this role is an incredible opportunity to bridge the gap between the government and the public. I’ve always believed in the power of communication, especially in politics, where clarity can prevent misunderstandings and, ideally, conflict.
**Editor:** Hasan Nasbi described you and your fellow spokespersons as “messengers.” What does this mean to you as a political communicator?
**Philips Vermonte:** I found that description quite intriguing! It embodies our responsibility to convey the President’s messages accurately and transparently. While it may sound a bit whimsical, at the core, we are indeed here to deliver information that matters to the people, fostering a better understanding of governmental policies.
**Editor:** With your academic background, do you think you’ll face challenges translating complex political ideas into everyday language?
**Philips Vermonte:** Absolutely! It’s crucial to make political discourse accessible. While I may have a penchant for academic jargon, the challenge lies in distilling that into messages anyone can grasp. It’s a balancing act, but I’m committed to ensuring our communications resonate with all citizens.
**Editor:** There’s been some humorous skepticism about whether these new spokespersons can “stop a war through truth.” What’s your take on that?
**Philips Vermonte:** (laughs) It’s certainly an ambitious claim! While I wouldn’t promise that our words could singlehandedly avert wars, I do believe that honest and open communication can contribute to a more peaceful society. If we can encourage dialogue and understanding, perhaps we can take steps towards preventing conflicts.
**Editor:** Your fellow spokespersons also bring diverse experiences to the table. How do you plan to collaborate with them on the communication strategy?
**Philips Vermonte:** Collaboration is key! Each spokesperson has unique expertise and backgrounds, from political analysis to public relations. We aim to leverage these strengths to create a comprehensive communication strategy that addresses various issues effectively and engages different segments of society.
**Editor:** Lastly, given your humorous introduction, how important is it for political communications to retain a sense of levity in today’s serious climate?
**Philips Vermonte:** Humor can be a powerful tool! It can lighten difficult conversations and help make complex issues more relatable. While we need to approach our work with seriousness, a touch of levity can engage people and encourage them to pay attention. I think it’s about finding that right balance.
**Editor:** Wonderful insights, Philips! We look forward to seeing how your team will shape political discourse in Jakarta. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us!
**Philips Vermonte:** Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to discuss our vision, and I’m excited about what’s ahead for Jakarta’s political communication.
