Restoring Institutional Image: Impression Laundering in the Indonesian National Police Post-Ferdy Sambo Case
Abstract
The Indonesian National Police experienced a severe reputational crisis following the involvement of Inspector General Ferdy Sambo in a premeditated murder and the orchestration of a false "police shoot police" narrative. Public trust dropped significantly, with surveys in August 2022 showing a decline to 53.4%, and 37.7% of respondents reporting worsened perceptions of the institution. The situation was further aggravated by the Kanjuruhan tragedy in October 2022, which claimed 132 lives. This study investigates how the National Police, through its Public Relations Division, attempted to restore its image using Wijaya's Impression Laundering Theory (ILT). Specifically, it examines two strategic communication corruption approaches: dramaturgic communication and angelic communication, which aim to project moral integrity and transparency. Using a qualitative case study method, data were collected through interviews, observations, and document analysis. Key informants include Inspector General Dedy Prasteyo, Head of the Public Relations Division, and communication expert Effendy Ghazali. Secondary data were sourced from online media coverage of institutional responses and policy initiatives. Findings indicate that the National Police Chief's policies received positive responses from stakeholders, including the DPR, Kompolnas, and the public. These responses validate the effectiveness of angelic communication in rebuilding trust. Additionally, dramaturgic strategies (such as staged transparency and symbolic acts) played a crucial role in shaping public perception and facilitating impression laundering. This study contributes to the literature on crisis communication and institutional branding by highlighting the strategic use of communication corruption theories to restore public trust. It also offers practical insights for public institutions facing reputational challenges, emphasizing the importance of narrative control and ethical messaging in image rehabilitation.
To cite this article (7th APA style):
Ritmadhini, D. A. (2014). Restoring Institutional Image: Impression Laundering in the Indonesian National Police Post-Ferdy Sambo Case. Journal Communication Spectrum: Capturing New Perspectives in Communication 14(1), 39-50. https://doi.org/10.36782/jcs.v14i1.2397
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