The Indonesian Broadcasting Commission from the Perspective of Government Public Relations: A Juridical Study on Authority and Public Communication

Abstract

The Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (Komisi Penyiaran Indonesia / KPI) is an independent state institution vested with the authority to regulate and oversee broadcasting activities in Indonesia under Law Number 32 of 2002 on Broadcasting. In carrying out its functions, KPI does not merely act as a regulator but also serves as a representative of government public relations, bridging communication between the state, broadcasting institutions, and the public. This study aims to analyze KPI's role from a Government Public Relations perspective and to examine its legal authority in building transparent and accountable public communication. The study employs a library research method with a qualitative approach, through analysis of legislation and communication science literature. The findings indicate that, normatively, KPI possesses strong legal legitimacy in its broadcasting oversight function; however, in public communication practice, challenges remain in implementing the two-way symmetrical communication model that is considered ideal in Government Public Relations. This study concludes that optimizing KPI's role as both a regulator and a public communication institution requires the strengthening of transparency, public participation, and consistency in regulatory enforcement in order to enhance public trust and institutional legitimacy.