In an atmosphere of respect and attentiveness, the Army Command and Staff College (Seskoad) in Bandung, West Java, hosted a prominent national figure, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. The student officers (Pasis) undergoing their strategic education had the distinct honor of receiving a valuable briefing from Mr. Dahnil, who served as the Spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Indonesia from 2019 to 2024. This event marked a significant moment in equipping the future leaders of the Indonesian Army with crucial insights into effective communication strategies within the context of defense and the military.
During the briefing session, which was met with enthusiasm and keen engagement from the students, Mr. Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak presented highly relevant material addressing the contemporary challenges and dynamics of defense, titled "Effective Communication for Indonesian Defense and Military." This material not only emphasized the importance of conveying accurate and precise information to the public but also highlighted how strategic communication can serve as a vital pillar in strengthening national defense as a whole.
Mr. Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, widely recognized for his extensive experience in public communication and defense policy, provided a comprehensive analysis of the various critical aspects of building effective communication. He underscored that in today's era of information transparency, the ability to communicate clearly, transparently, and responsibly has become increasingly crucial for defense and military institutions. Sound communication not only builds public trust but also enhances the positive image of the Indonesian Army in the eyes of the community.
Furthermore, Mr. Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak stressed the necessity of a strong synergy between national defense strategy and public communication strategy. In his view, these two elements cannot operate in isolation but must mutually support and reinforce each other. A robust defense strategy will be even more effective when supported by a well-targeted public communication strategy capable of fostering understanding and garnering support from all segments of society.
In the military context, effective communication also plays a vital role in various operational aspects. From coordination between different units to the clear transmission of orders and the management of crisis situations, the ability to communicate effectively can be a decisive factor in the success of any mission. Therefore, this briefing is expected to equip Seskoad officers with essential communication skills, enabling them to become leaders who are not only proficient in military strategy but also adept at communication.
One of the key points emphasized by Mr. Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak was the importance of cultivating productive relationships with the mass media. He acknowledged the significant role that the media plays in shaping public opinion and disseminating information. Consequently, the ability to build positive and mutually understanding relationships with journalists has become an imperative for defense and military institutions.
This briefing agenda also carries a deeper dimension, serving as a response to the input and self-criticism conveyed by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Prabowo Subianto, regarding the importance of self-correction across all elements of the government. Mr. Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak explained that the material he presented aligns with the spirit of continuous improvement and enhancement of quality in various fields, including public communication within the defense and military environment.
The Seskoad Bandung student officers displayed considerable enthusiasm in following each briefing session delivered by Mr. Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak. They actively engaged by asking questions and participating in discussions, demonstrating a keen interest in gaining a deeper understanding of effective communication strategies within the context of their future duties and responsibilities. It is hoped that this briefing will serve as a valuable asset for them in carrying out their roles as future leaders of the professional and well-regarded Indonesian Army.
This briefing activity stands as clear evidence of Seskoad Bandung's commitment to preparing its officers not only in terms of combat capabilities and military strategy but also in terms of public communication skills. By equipping them with a thorough understanding of the importance of effective communication, it is anticipated that Seskoad graduates will be able to become leaders who are not only formidable on the battlefield but also skilled in building a positive image of the Indonesian Army in the eyes of the public.
The presence of Mr. Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak as a keynote speaker at this briefing also provides significant added value. His experience and insights in the fields of public communication and defense policy offer a valuable perspective to the Seskoad officers. The material presented was not merely theoretical but also rich in practical examples and relevant case studies illustrating the communication challenges in the modern era.
With the conclusion of this briefing session, it is hoped that the Seskoad Bandung student officers will internalize the crucial values of effective communication in carrying out their duties and responsibilities as future leaders of the Indonesian Army. The ability to communicate well and strategically will be a valuable asset in building harmonious relationships with the community, enhancing the positive image of the institution, and ultimately, supporting the achievement of a strong national defense objective.
This briefing is not just a transfer of knowledge but also a long-term investment in building superior and professional human resources for the Indonesian Army. Officers equipped with strong communication skills will be able to serve as effective bridges between the military institution and civil society, thereby fostering a strong synergy in safeguarding the sovereignty and unity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.
Seskoad Bandung, as a military higher education institution, continues its efforts to invite competent speakers from various fields, including public communication. This demonstrates an awareness of the importance of preparing officers not only from a purely military standpoint but also from other aspects relevant to the challenges of future duties.
It is hoped that the spirit and insights gained by the Seskoad officers from this briefing can be applied in their future assignments. The ability to communicate effectively will be a key factor in their success in leading and making decisions, as well as in building positive relationships with various stakeholders.
The briefing activity initiated by Seskoad Bandung is commendable as a proactive step in enhancing the quality of human resources within the Indonesian Army. By equipping officers with a deep understanding of effective communication strategies, it is expected that the military institution will be increasingly capable of responding to the challenges of the times and building a positive image in the eyes of the public.
The briefing from Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak serves as an important moment for the Seskoad officers to realize that strong communication skills are not merely an additional competency but a core competency that every leader must possess, especially within the context of defense and the military.
With a profound understanding of the importance of effective communication, these future leaders of the Indonesian Army are expected to become agents of change who are not only capable of safeguarding the nation's sovereignty but also skilled in building harmonious relationships with the community.
This briefing simultaneously underscores the Indonesian Army's commitment to continuous self-correction and quality improvement across various lines, including public communication, in accordance with the directives of the President of the Republic of Indonesia.
This spirit of continuous learning and self-improvement is a vital asset in facing the various challenges and constantly evolving dynamics of this era of globalization.
With the knowledge and insights gained from Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, the Seskoad Bandung student officers are expected to become future leaders of the Indonesian Army who are not only strong and professional but also capable of building effective communication with all elements of the nation.