On the 29th or March 2011, was uploaded on YouTube what's about to become one of the biggest viral video in Indonesia.

Briptu Norman, from the province of Gorontalo (population +- 1 million) instantly got internet famous.
To date the video has a total of more than 500,000 views.

Of course, things being what they are, we all expected the this talented lip-sync artist to be punished for turning the good name of the local police into a mockery,
On the 5th of April, the press was officially informed that, in spite of the overwhelmingly positive reception of the video, bridagier Normal was to receive due disciplining.

Today, 6th of April, the sanction received by the prancing policeman came to pucblic knowledge. Here you go:

 

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, we were all expecting him to be set on fire while flogged with a spiked paddle dipped in vinegar... But there.
This, is a superb PR move.

The Indonesian police doesn't have what you'd call a good reputation; all in all they are mostly reputable for receiving extra bribes to make the ends meet at the end of the month.
Their reaction here proved that they both have a good sense of humor and some real common sense, bringing them one step closer to the people.

Norman's superiors did everything right:

• They understood the context of the video
• They monitored its reception on the Indonesian web
• They took in account the public's reaction
• They issued a response that took everybody by surprise, taking a stance diametrally opposed to their reputation

To PR all over the world who still think that censoring message on a facebook page is the best way to control a brand's reputation: take lessons from brigadier Norman and the police force of Gorontalo, Indonesia (population: +- 1 million).

 

Posted via email from @Danny_Fr