THE ETHICS OF POLITICAL COMMUNICATION “CRITISM FOR POLITICAL ACTORS IN INDONESIA”

  • Author: FX. Ari Agung Prastowo
  • From: Lecturer of Public Relations Studies, Faculty of Communication, Padjadjaran University

Abstract:

Democracy often used as a “shield” by political actors, that in the era of democracy, the political elite is free to communicate political messages to his constituents with the aim to obtain support in reaching the coveted power with the use of any communication channels, with the contents of the message in accordance with the desire of political actors and by any means. Political actors often do not understand that they are a “public figure”, where they become a learning tool for the community in terms of political education. In fact, political actors often do politicalcommunication using the political language that are far away from the moral values in accordance to the nation?s culture. Ethic is a value and a moral norm that becomes a foundation in regulating behavior of an individual, including communication behavior. Therefore, ethics should be the moral demand which is used as aguide and handbook for political actors. As a moral demand, the ethics of political communication require actors doing political communications that hold on to the prevailing system of values in society. The nature of ethics serves; (1) to inquire the norms adopted deemed valid. Investigate what basic norm it is and whether it is the basics to justify obedience demanded by a norm towards norms to be able to deal. ; (2) the ethics of asking questions about legitimacy, meaning that the norm that is unable defend itself from critical question will be disenfranchised;(3) the ethics also questions the right of every institution such as parents, schools, a country, a religion and togive instructions or restrictions that must be obeyed; (4) Ethics give the provision for human beings to take a rational attitude towards all the norms.; (5) The ethics become a tool of a rationaland responsible thinking for an expert and for anyone who does not want to be swayed by the existing norms. Political actors in Indonesia should be doing political communications that refers back to the nation’s identity, where Indonesia has noble values that are capable of maintaining unity in the community. Thus, will produce political communications that is cool, brightening, peaceful, harmonious and brings social change for the community.

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