Deborah N. Simorangkir

Public Relations in Indonesia: History, Status, and Popular (Mis)perceptions Deborah N. Simorangkir

Indonesian organizations today increasingly demand rigorous qualifications from the PR practitioners. However, old misperceptions about PR being a glamorous job that does not require much intelligence still exist. Consequently, physical attractiveness and youth are often regarded as requirements more important than education and experience for PR practitioners. Moreover, many Indonesian organizations still limit the public relations practitioner?s role to that of a technician, and only in times of crisis would these organizations seek strategic public relations. This book explains the history of PR in Indonesia and analyzes its status and the various perceptions Indonesians have toward the field. This study used quantitative online surveys as well as qualitative online and face-to-face interviews as research methods. Although based on the author?s Master?s thesis in 2003, this book contains valuable information that is still accurate today and will be useful to PR practitioners and scholars in Indonesia and worldwide.