Crisis Management in Public Relations Directorat General of WaterResources Ministry of Public Works and Housingin Facing the El Nino Phenomenon in Indonesia

Abstract

In 2023, Indonesia faced a critical El Niño-induced drought, causing severe water shortages, agricultural
failure, and rising public dissatisfaction. This research examines the crisis management and communication
strategies employed by the Public Relations (PR) department of the Directorate General of Water Resources
(DGWR) under the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR). As the primary authority for
national water management under Law No. 7 of 2004, the Ministry faced immense pressure to mitigate the
adverse impacts of shrinking reservoirs and urban water crises. Using a qualitative approach, this study
analyzes how the DGWR implemented an integrated crisis management framework, encompassing adaptive
policy-making, infrastructure development, and multi-stakeholder coordination. Central to this effort was
the strategic role of PR in disseminating transparent, accurate information to counter negative public
assumptions and restore institutional trust. Rooted in Coombs’ crisis management theory and
communication planning models, the findings highlight that a holistic approach which integrating technical
solutions with effective public messaging that is vital for building resilience. The study concludes that the
DGWR’s PR serves as a critical liaison between the government and the public, transforming complex crisis
responses into clear narratives that secure public support and maintain political stability during
environmental emergencies.