The implementation of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) now faces a significant paradigm shift. Sustainability communication no longer serves merely as a publication tool for short-term programs; instead, it must be integrated into an organization's core business strategy.
This view was conveyed by corporate communication practitioner Indra Ardiyanto at The 5th Indonesia DEI & ESG Awards (IDEAS) 2026 conference held in Jakarta on Thursday (9/7/2026). He stressed that ESG must be positioned as part of the organization's DNA to ensure business sustainability with a tangible impact.
Indra highlighted that many organizations are still stuck in the view that ESG is merely an additional activity. In fact, strategic communication serves as a bridge connecting corporate commitments with stakeholder expectations, such as investors, customers, and regulators. Through this approach, corporate transparency and accountability can be maintained more solidly.
In its implementation, effective ESG communication must rest on three main pillars: message authenticity, consistency of action, and active stakeholder engagement. Authenticity is crucial to avoiding allegations of 'greenwashing' practices, which often damage corporate reputation in the eyes of the public.
Furthermore, the effectiveness of ESG communication is no longer measured solely by the quantity of media exposure. Assessment must be oriented toward more substantial indicators, such as changes in stakeholder behavior and levels of public trust. This strategy-based approach is believed to drive a more meaningful and measurable sustainability impact for the business ecosystem in Indonesia.
