Media relations activities at the Indonesia Presidential Palace during the Covid-19 pandemic

This study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on media relations at the Indonesian Presidential Palace, focusing on strategies employed by the Press, Media, and Information Bureau (BPMI) to manage media coverage. Using qualitative methods, in-depth interviews were conducted with BPMI’s Deputy for Protocol, Press, and Media, and three journalists from TV, radio, and print/online media. The analysis revealed that BPMI’s reliance on press releases during the pandemic increased journalists’ dependence on official statements and reduced the number of journalists granted access to cover events. Another finding highlights how these changes reshaped the dynamics of media-government interactions by formalizing communication and limiting opportunities for informal engagement. This study contributes to the understanding of media-government relations in times of crisis by highlighting the role of information subsidies in shaping media coverage. The findings have theoretical implications for the study of media relations during the crisis and offer practical insights for PR practitioners in managing government communication, particularly under restrictive conditions.