(KOMUNIKASI POLITIK) BENTUK-BENTUK KOMUNIKASI POLITIK, Retorika, Agitasi, Propaganda

Overview

The video explains forms of political communication—activities that use political messages to influence, persuade, and invite the public to change perceptions, opinions, or behavior according to the communicator’s goals.

It identifies several major forms:

• Rhetoric
• Political agitation
• Political propaganda
• Political public relations / lobbying
• Political campaigns
• Political advertising

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1) Rhetoric (Retorika)

Rhetoric is presented as the art and skill of using language effectively (e.g., speeches, lectures, sermons). It involves not only wording, but also structured, logical arguments supported by convincing facts.

Historical roots and key figures

• The video traces rhetorical tradition to ancient Greece.
• It mentions sophists, who taught public speaking to achieve political aims.

Plato vs. Aristotle

• Plato criticized sophist rhetoric as manipulating public opinion and ignoring rules of truth—where truth becomes merely a tool for persuasive language.
• Aristotle argued that sophist rhetoric cannot build a civilized society because it does not prioritize truth. However, he also frames rhetoric as a persuasive instrument that can address problems more objectively and systematically.

Examples

Rhetoric is shown as appearing in:

• political debates
• propaganda ads
• political statements
• party campaigns

The video also mentions Soekarno as an expert in rhetoric.

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2) Propaganda

Propaganda is described as communication closely linked to persuasion, often widespread and capable of making people misled.

Definition and purpose

The video defines propaganda as distributing information to influence attitudes and behavior, typically motivated by indoctrination of ideology.

“Russian propaganda” example (Indonesia, 2019)

The video references Indonesia’s growing awareness of “Russian propaganda” during the 2019 presidential election:

• The term gained popularity after claims by Joko Widodo (Jokowi) about a team preparing Russian propaganda.
• The video connects this terminology to an international precedent, including Donald Trump’s 2016 U.S. election, alleged Russian-linked political consulting, and hoax distribution.
• It also notes responses from campaign figures (e.g., Ma’ruf Amin and Jokowi’s team), emphasizing that elections should not be filled with slander and fake news, warning that such actions can threaten national integrity.

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3) Political agitation (Agitasi)

Agitation is defined (using the Indonesian dictionary) as incitement of crowds to cause riots, rebellions, and similar unrest, generally associated with negative outcomes.

However, the video argues agitation can also aim to shift:

• attitudes
• behavior
• opinions

In this sense, it affects social psychology in politics.

Key examples

• SARA issues (religion, ethnicity, race, and intergroup identity): presented as highly susceptible to manipulation via persuasive narratives that spread through society and influence people.
• Conflict creation: skilled communicators frame statements to spark tension between:
  • society and the central government,
  • institutions and communities,
  • or citizens against each other—especially around election periods.

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4) “New political ideology” concept (mindset manipulation)

The video describes a tactic where communicators exploit inequality:

• Some groups lack basic needs (food, economy),
• while others dominate or are comparatively well-off.

How it works

1. The communicator stirs anxiety and provokes doubts about the government’s failure to provide welfare and certainty.
2. Then the communicator offers solutions through a “new ideology”—new political ideas.

The video portrays this process as a form of brainwashing designed to gain support for a candidate.

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5) Lobbying

Lobbying is explained as a form of political participation where individuals or groups contact government officials or political leaders to influence decisions on issues, typically aiming to benefit certain groups.

The video briefly mentions other related forms (to be discussed elsewhere), such as:

• political campaigns
• political advertisements

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Presenters / Contributors (as mentioned in the video)

• Kompas TV coverage team (noted in the subtitles)
• Mrs. Dewi Fortuna Anwar (mentioned in discussion about Indonesia’s future)
• Soekarno (mentioned as a rhetorical expert)
• Vladimir Putin (referenced in the propaganda context)
• Donald Trump (referenced in the origin story of “Russian propaganda”)
• Joko Widodo (Jokowi) (referenced regarding claims about Russian propaganda and the election context)
• Ma’ruf Amin (referenced in campaign messaging against hoaxes and slander)
• Hasto Kristianto (referenced as deputy chairman of TKN Jokowi Ma’ruf Amin)
• Plato and Aristotle (mentioned as theorists/critics of rhetoric)