To accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in Indonesia, a focused and contextual public narrative has proven to be a key driver of change. A well-crafted communication strategy can shape perceptions, build trust, and encourage public participation in the transition toward clean energy.

This was the highlight of the 12th episode of SSIDCOMM (Sharing Session ID COMM), titled “Narratives Change the World: PR Behind the Electric Vehicle Trend.” The discussion highlighted the strategic role of communication in aligning messages among industry players, the government, and the public to strengthen support for EVs.

The success of electric vehicles is not solely determined by technical specifications or fiscal incentives. As emphasized during the session, PR acts as a catalyst that fosters public understanding, bridges interests, and cultivates a sense of ownership over the renewable energy movement.

Claudius Surya, an automotive journalist from AutonetMagz, emphasized that the role of media goes beyond merely delivering information. “Collaboration between media and PR is crucial in shaping narratives that positively influence public perception,” he said. He also pointed out the importance of riding the wave—leveraging social momentum to amplify message reach.

Insights from Dataxet Sonar further underscored the urgency of building data-driven narratives. Between January and April 2025, social media conversations around electric vehicles surged by 215%. According to Alfano Abu Yusuf, Principal Insight Analyst at Dataxet Sonar, this increase was driven by topics such as government policy, brand collaborations, and public figure endorsements.

Interestingly, 28.1% of recorded sentiment was positive, largely fueled by educational content highlighting the economic and environmental benefits of EVs. This demonstrates that relevant narratives addressing public concerns can lead to shifts in behavior.

​​SSIDCOMM reaffirmed that accelerating EV adoption cannot rely on technological innovation alone. Inspiring, collaborative, and consistent storytelling is essential to building public trust. PR plays a critical role in crafting these narratives, by understanding the social landscape, leveraging data, and delivering messages that resonate emotionally with the audience.

With the right communication approach, electric vehicles will not only be seen as future-forward technologies, but also as a symbol of collective participation in building a cleaner, more sustainable Indonesia.