At the place where I work, we make sure that every PR consultant is familiar with Systems Thinking. Why? Because the world is complex and interconnected and deductive thinking usually addresses the symptoms and not the cure. Deductive thinking assumes that the world is a simple place. When problems crop up, find an immediate solution... Continue Reading →
Russians a satisfying, easy but not strategic target
The Russians in Bali have come under siege. Shortly after an outcry by Indonesian netizens after some Russians had the temerity to complain to the authorities about the crowing of roosters in the morning, photos of Russian-owned motorcycles and luxury cars with customised and totally illegal number plates began to surface on social media. One... Continue Reading →
Did the Jakarta Post malign the PR profession?
What's the difference between publicity stunts and PR? One is focussed on looks and cosmetics, the other is focussed on substance and reputation, I argue in this post.
The Kanjuruhan football tragedy and the government’s miscommunication
Things happen and they do so not in black and white. There are reasons and counter reasons as to why things happen that will be unveiled only by time and careful investigations. Some things can be disputed. Were police and military provoked into using force by rowdy football fans? There was certainly some provocation, if... Continue Reading →
Why Bjorka should worry the Government
The danger of hacker Bjorka to the Government lies not in the information he purportedly hacked and leaked. The danger comes from the reaction of Indonesian netizens to any news or posts about Bjorka’s antics. Bjorka Check out Twitter and other social media news feeds and typical reactions are support for Bjorka and criticism of... Continue Reading →
Tone deaf, in a very black and white way
Comments that in most societies would leave the audience aghast get a laugh and applause in Indonesia. Even when a member of the audience is the President of Indonesia himself. PDIP Matriach Megawati, when addressing her party’s convention first took issue with Tukang Bakso (meatball vendors). She said she told her daughter Puan not to... Continue Reading →
Is Indonesia extending or abolishing COVID movement restrictions?
Indonesia is lifting all movement restrictions related to COVID/Indonesia is extending movement restrictions related to COVID. Which of these stories from the same news outlet is true? This: Or this:
Who can speak for the G20 spokesperson?
What qualities, skills and experience do you need to be an effective spokesperson? For chair of the G20 Summit Indonesia all that's needed to become the spokesperson for this prestigious event is evidently looks, youth, pop iconicity and privileged education. Credit: Facebook The appointee, 27-year old Maudy Ayunda has a plenty in the looks department... Continue Reading →
Who’s really responsible for the trashing of Ade Armando?
OK, let's get this out of the way: Unspun believes that voilence in retaliation for words is almost always not justified. Having said that, I cannot help but to think that Ade Armando and the society that has elevated him into a public icon of sorts has brought the violence upon themselves. Armando is of... Continue Reading →
When everyone sounds sassy and is an expert
Remember that iconic cartoon from the early days of the Internet in the New Yorker? The Internet has moved on a lot since then. Apps and other services now make it so much easier to create and upload great looking content. So much so that I think the saying “On the Internet, nobody knows you’re... Continue Reading →
Startups and their irresistible offers to our employees
If, like me, you run a small to mid-sized business then I’m sure you’d empathize when I say that the startups are the bane of our lives when it comes to staff retention. Like voracious vultures their HR officers and talent scouts circle our businesses for any of our staff who show promise. When they... Continue Reading →
Helping out journalists when they need it
What I wrote in the Maverick blog today. Journalists are getting Covid and this causes many of them financial difficulties. Many companies expect their help in publicising their messages in good times. Now when times are tough, they need out help https://maverick.co.id/uncategorized/plight-of-the-information-front-liners/