Jakarta – The National Public Relations Convention (KNH 20), officially opened on 4 December 2020. In contrast to previous years, the annual 2-day event by the Indonesian Public Relations Association (PERHUMAS) was held virtually via a zoom platform. This event is a meeting point for PR practitioners to understand global trends in the era of adaptation to new habits and as agents of change by developing scientific capacities, experiences, capabilities, characters, and also the art of communication.

Mr. Agung Laksamana M.Sc, MCIPR, the General Chairperson of BPP Perhumas

On the first day, the KNH event began with a report from the General Chairperson of BPP Perhumas, Mr. Agung Laksamana M.Sc, MCIPR. “Public Relations must be adaptive to constant change, Public Relations must be innovative in finding creative and strategic solutions, and Public Relations must collaboratively have team work and a spirit that is not ego-sectoral.” said Mr. Agung. The Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia Mr. KH Ma’aruf Amin gave a speech as well as an official sign of the opening of the KNH 20. The opening of the KNH 20 was also attended by the Minister of Finance Mrs. Sri Mulyani, the Indonesian Ambassador to the Republic of China and Mongolia, Mr. HE Djauhari Oratmangun, and the Governor of West Java, Mr. Ridwan Kamil.

Mr. KH Ma’aruf Amin, The Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia gave a speech

The next day, Saturday, December 5, 2020, the second day of KNH 20 was opened by remarks from the Chairman of the KNH 20 Committee, Mr. Boy Kelana Soebroto, IAPR. He said, “The public relations profession is extraordinary and the competence must always be improved. KNH 20, which was held virtually for the first time, became a public relations milestone that the boundaries of space and time are not obstacles to being adaptive, innovative, and collaborative. ” Followed by key remarks from Mr. Erick Thohir as Minister of BUMN of the Republic of Indonesia. Mr. Erick said, “The direction in the future is for Indonesia to progress, this means we have to make a leap that can benefit both the people and the country. Taking a leap of vision and realizing broad benefits requires collaboration and adaptation to the digital era. And to convey the vision and solution, it is necessary to narrate the public with contextual and directed communication carried out in collaboration between institutions, business actors, and between figures.”

Mr. Boy Kelana Soebroto, IAPR gave an opening remarks

Mr. Erick Thohir as Minister of BUMN of the Republic of Indonesia.

PERHUMAS noted that there were at least 3 serious challenges, including Industry 4.0 which triggered heavy traffic of information and a public tendency to believe more in hoaxes, the Covid-19 pandemic which has an impact on the entire society, as well as the spread of hoaxes and loss of public trust, where in the situation With the Covid-19 pandemic and economic recession, public communication needs a narrative of optimism in Indonesia. To face these three big challenges, in the 2020 National Public Relations Convention from various views, perspectives, opinions from the speakers, it was concluded that Indonesian Public Relations must be adaptive to constant change, Increased professionalism of competencies and capabilities, and Public Relations needs to apply technology to carry out digital transformation and strategies. communication to the public with appropriate narratives through various media platforms.

Article by Gabriella, Mahira, Velika, Devi.