UPH Political Expert Emrus Sihombing: Airlangga's Hard Work To Restore The Economy During The Pandemic Creates A Positive Image

Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Airlangga Hartarto. (Photo: Doc. Coordinating Ministry for the Economy)

JAKARTA - Political Communication Expert from Pelita Harapan University (UPH) Dr. Emrus Sihombing stated that the award received by Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto, from the Priyadarshni Academy, was a form of international recognition for his achievements and performance.

"As a communications scientist, I congratulate Pak Airlangga Hartarto for this success. I must say that this award is proof of his performance so far in efforts to recover the economy during the pandemic," said Emrus Sihombing, in a written statement, Friday, September 24.

Emrus also assessed that Airlangga's response to receiving the award was extraordinary. The Priyadarshni Academy Global Award for Outstanding Contribution to National Economic Recovery, for Airlangga, which was given on Monday, September 20, was never claimed by Airlangga as his own success.

Emrus also said that this award was not for Airlangga himself, but for the Indonesian people. From a communication point of view, Emrus saw that Airlangga was not a selfish person.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many countries experienced minus economic growth for several periods, Indonesia has shown improvement. Even able to achieve economic growth of 7.07 percent, in the second quarter of this year.

"We must honestly admit that under the leadership of Airlangga Hartarto, in coordinating the Indonesian economy, we have been very successful, because there has been very good economic growth," said Emrus.

From the factual side, Emrus also saw that the prices of basic necessities were affordable by the community.

"It is important for the people at this time to be able to reach their basic needs. The price is stable, controlled and affordable by the community," said Emrus.

The Permanent Lecturer at Pelita Harapan University also saw the general chairman of the Golkar Party as a good leader.

"He is a conductor of our national economic orchestra," he said.

As the Coordinating Minister for the Economy in the Indonesia Forward Cabinet under the leadership of President Joko Widodo, Airlangga was able to bring Indonesia success in increasing economic growth and tackling the COVID-19 pandemic.

Judging from the science of communication, the fact is a non-verbal symbol that can be interpreted by the community, that the national economy under Coordinating Minister Airlangga is very good and extraordinary.

"Moreover, the award was also given by an institution from India. Emrus believes that Priyadarshni Academy is very independent, in collecting data, facts and evidence and everything must be verified," said Emrus.

Emrus also saw that what Airlangga achieved was also in sync with the tag line in various billboards and billboards posted by Golkar Party cadres, Work for Indonesia.

"He prioritizes work, unlike other leaders who are just imaging. Airlangga does not work for imagery, but instead works to create an image," said Emrus.

According to Emrus, from the aspect of communication, this is very good because Airlangga never stands out for himself. On the other hand, the Chairperson of KPCPEN shows performance and it is up to the community to judge. One of the results was the award from Priyadarshni.