A much-anticipated tax change was rolled out with scant explanation and hastily withdrawn after public outrage. A top general dismissed critics of a military reform as "country bumpkins" unfit to comment. And when a Tempo journalist received a gruesome threat in the form of a severed pig’s head, a presidential spokesperson infamously quipped "just cook it."

These gaffes, while sensational, underscore a deeper malaise: A fundamental breakdown in how the presidency communicates with the public. Without correction, Prabowo’s government risks squandering public trust and credibility at a pivotal political moment.

To his credit, President Prabowo appears increasingly aware of this shortcoming. In recent weeks, he has reached out through a series of media engagements, including an unscripted three-hour interview with senior editors and a closed-door session with economists and investors.

In all three instances, including earlier remarks at a cabinet meeting, he stressed one thing: The urgent need to improve public communication.

But sporadic appearances are not enough. These gestures have yet to materialize into a coherent strategy. Public confusion persists, often due to uncoordinated or delayed responses by government spokespeople.

The debacle involving influencer Deddy Corbuzier, who called a primary school student "a pea" after the child criticized the free nutritious meal program, is a case in point. Strangely, despite the controversy, Deddy was appointed a special staff member to the defense minister.