en.malanginspirasi.com – Pancatera, the production house behind the popular women’s podcast In Her View, issued a formal apology on Tuesday after several of its hosts attended Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day celebrations at Istana Merdeka.
They also posted group photos near senior government figures, including President Prabowo Subianto.
The hosts, Marissa Anita, Caroline Soerachmat, and Karina Basrewan, shared images from the August 17 event, which marked the country’s independence anniversary with a formal ceremony and related activities at the presidential palace.
The posts, which included photos alongside public figures and officials, quickly circulated on social media and drew widespread criticism from listeners and online commentators.
Critics argued that the appearance and photos clashed with the podcast’s established focus on women’s independence, empowerment, personal experiences, relationships, careers, mental health, and broader social issues.
Many questioned whether the decision undermined the show’s independent image, especially amid ongoing public discussions about economic hardships and social challenges facing ordinary Indonesians.
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Some described the move as tone-deaf or inconsistent with the values the platform has promoted since its launch in April 2025.
In a statement posted on its Instagram account, Pancatera addressed its audience, known as ‘ViewHers’ directly:
“To our beloved and respected ViewHers. We apologize for our mistaken actions. We are aware that the attendance and photo posts of the In Her View hosts at the Independence Day celebration at Istana Merdeka have triggered disappointment and questions in our community and the public.”
The production house said it had heard the criticism and accepted it as a correction and a reminder that as people who hold a public space, we have a responsibility to consider every decision we make more carefully.
Pancatera stressed that both the company and In Her View “operate independently and are self-funded, without affiliation with the government or any political institution. This independence remains an important principle for us.”
The statement also acknowledged broader realities.
“We recognize that the running of government so far is still far from perfect. There are still many of our brothers and sisters facing difficulties, uncertainty, and various problems that must not escape our collective attention.”
Pancatera thanked critics for their feedback, said it was listening seriously, and pledged to learn from the episode while committing to use its platform “with awareness and full responsibility.”
Online reactions remained mixed after the apology.
While some welcomed the acknowledgment of the misstep, others continued to question the deliberate choice to attend and publicize the appearance, suggesting the statement did not fully address concerns about accountability or the optics amid citizen hardships.
The episode has fueled broader conversations about the expectations placed on public-facing media creators who discuss social issues and the boundaries of independence in Indonesia’s media landscape.
In Her View, which features table discussions from a modern women’s perspective, has built a dedicated following by tackling topics close to everyday female experiences.
The controversy highlights the challenges independent media faces when navigating high-profile national events.
