Episode 21 | From Deforestation Data to "Selected Reality": Is the Social Contract Broken?

Closing out the year, the Proxemics team (Mercy, Awi, Sofyan, and Steph) sits down for a heavy-hitting Year-End Wrap-Up. We start by analyzing Kompas Daily’s striking data journalism on deforestation, contrast it with the government’s "selected reality" regarding disaster management, and dive deep into political philosophy—asking if the social contract between the state and its citizens is fraying.

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12/31/20253 min read

Mercy Tahitoe and White Wood Studio for Proxemics Podcast

In the world of Public Relations and Public Affairs, the end of the year is usually a time for reflection. In this final episode of the year, the team—Mercy, Awi, Sofyan, and Steph—tackles a spectrum of issues ranging from the environmental crisis in Sumatra to the intricacies of diplomatic protocols and the future of the agency landscape.

While the topics vary, a connecting thread runs through them all: the contrast between data-driven reality and the "selected reality" often presented by decision-makers.

The Power of Data vs. "Strategic Ambiguity"

The discussion kicks off with an appreciation for Harian Kompas, which managed to stay relevant in the digital age through powerful data journalism. The team dissected a recent report visualizing the loss of 1.4 million hectares of forest in 2023 alone. This visual data provided a stark contrast to the government's handling of the subsequent natural disasters in Sumatra.

The team highlighted a critical communication failure: "Strategic Ambiguity." While this concept exists in communication theory, the government’s application of it—providing vague or conflicting information about the disasters—failed because the public was demanding clarity. Instead of a "Single Source of Truth," officials appeared to be living in a "selected reality," reporting to the President that everything was under control while victims on the ground were still suffering without aid.

The Social Contract & The "Dirty Vote"

A major portion of the discussion centered on the philosophical concept of the Social Contract (referencing Rousseau). The premise is simple: citizens surrender some rights to the state in exchange for protection. However, with the government perceived as failing to manage disasters or protect the environment, the team posed a provocative question: #BatalKontrak (Void the Contract)?.

This flowed into a reflection on the film Dirty Vote, discussing the "Otot, Otak, dan Ongkos" (Muscle, Brains, and Cost) of political power. The team noted how state institutions ("Otot") and transactional politics ("Ongkos") have seemingly overtaken the ideological foundations ("Otak") of governance, creating a vicious cycle of high-cost politics.

Viral Debates: Cashless Rights & Diplomatic Etiquette

On the viral front, the team dissected the debate surrounding Roti O and the refusal of cash payments. The discussion wasn't just about convenience; it touched on constitutional rights. While digital transformation is inevitable and efficient for business management, the team argued that refusing the Rupiah—the legal tender—technically violates a citizen's constitutional right to pay.

Furthermore, the team addressed Dino Patti Djalal’s open video letter to the new Foreign Minister, Sugiono. The critique was respectful but sharp: a Foreign Minister must be present at international forums to ensure Indonesia doesn't lose its voice or credibility. The team noted that in diplomacy, "the one who is listened to is the one who speaks up".

Agency Outlook 2026: Resilience & Growth

Finally, the episode wrapped up with a look ahead at 2026 for Praxis and the agency world. The focus is on Continuous Improvement and Capacity Building. From sending consultants abroad to learn new trends to establishing a dedicated research division in 2026, the goal is to ensure that consultants aren't just "working," but constantly filling their own glasses with new knowledge.

As Awi noted, the key to surviving and thriving is network diversification—expanding reach not just locally, but across Southeast Asia and beyond.

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 - Intro: Apresiasi Jurnalisme Data Kompas
0:44 - Data Deforestasi: 1,4 Juta Hektar Hilang di 2023
2:48 - Komunikasi Bencana: "Selected Reality" Pejabat
19:05 - Jurnalis Menangis & Sensor Media
23:00 - Birokrasi Bantuan: Izin Kayu & Donasi
37:30 - Teori "Social Contract": #BatalKontrak?
41:46 - Bedah Pidato Dedi Mulyadi (KDM): 350 Tahun vs 80 Tahun
45:30 - Refleksi Dirty Vote: Otot, Otak, Ongkos
50:50 - SEA Games 2025: Skateboarder Emas Tanpa Sambutan
53:40 - Debat Viral: Roti O & Cashless Society
1:00:14 - Kritik Dino Patti Djalal ke Menlu Sugiono
1:05:40 - Agency Life: Tips & Outlook 2026

Brands/People Mentioned in This Episode:

Dino Patti Djalal: @dinopattidjalal (Instagram/X)
Sugiono (Menlu): @sugiono_56 (Instagram)
Dedi Mulyadi (KDM): @KANGDEDIMULYADICHANNEL (YouTube)
Harian Kompas: @HarianKompas (Twitter/X)
Roti O: @rotio.indonesia (Instagram)
Dirty Vote: @DirtyVote (YouTube)
Mayor Teddy: @tedsky89 (Instagram)
Maruli Simanjuntak: @marulisimanjuntak92 (Instagram)
Proxemics Podcast: @proxemicspodcast (Instagram/YouTube)