After months of minimal, or even non-existent, communications between the media and the President and his ministers, the interview on Sunday at Prabowo’s mansion in Hambalang, Bogor, West Java, shows that the former Army general is open to public scrutiny and feedback from the press.

During the three-and-a-half-hour session, the President addressed the most pressing issues, including criticisms of the revision of the Indonesian Military (TNI) Law and the  poor communication skills of his aides. 

While the discussion was formal and on camera, Prabowo answered all questions and at times appeared to be honest about the shortcomings of his administration.

“I give myself a score of 6 [out of 10]. Still far from a 9, but [still a] passing grade,” he said, reviewing his own performance for the past five months as president.

Prabowo even apologized for the recent statement of Presidential Communications Office head Hasan Nasbi, who told Tempo magazine to cook the pig’s head that had been sent to the news magazine’s office as a threat to press freedom, calling the remark “careless” and blaming himself for all the communication failures of his aides.

Not many leaders have the courage to initiate this kind of forum, which may put them at risk of facing the music or even public humiliation.

We therefore encourage the President to make this forum a regular event, address more issues and involve more journalists, especially those who are critical. If necessary, the question and answer session should be held in a “neutral” venue, where journalists feel more comfortable in raising sharp questions.

Overall, however, this kind of close encounter will break barriers separating the press and the government and promote transparency and accountability in government policies.

Prabowo and his aides may argue that press freedom has never been restricted, but his reluctance to directly talk to journalists in public events has raised a wall between them.

Worse, his aides have followed his example of minimum interaction with journalists, making it seem that the President and his aides are absent or lacking in substance despite their frequent public appearances.

If the President says he wants to focus on his work, we will not get in his way. But without effective communication and friendly conversations, he may not get his message across properly. Effective communication at times is not only about clarity, but also about the delivery of the message, whether it can convince the people who receive the message.

And more than the act of communicating, it is also important that the President really listens. This means that he should improve on his shortcomings. For example, if the recent amendment to the TNI Law is not meant to revive the controversial dwifungsi (dual function) role of the military, he must back up his words that all active military officers in public office, outside of 14 institutions designated in the law, resign or retire early from the service.

The global trade war caused by the United States tariffs has put the world in uncertainty and vulnerability. The President’s presence and his administration’s ability to formulate good policies and calm the public will be more important than ever.

It is too bad that every time the government stumbles in regard to economics or politics, it is treated like the end of the world. It is usually something that can be fixed with better communication.

We are facing a global recession and other political and economic hardships caused by the tariff war, the impact of which will be far-reaching. So, let us make sure that we do not miss the basics simply because of our reluctance to converse.