Corporate Communication Strategy in Energy Governance: A Framing Analysis of PLN's Transparency Approach in the CEMS Data Dispute

Abstract

The global energy transition has transformed the corporate communication landscape, elevating environmental transparency from mere regulatory compliance to a strategic imperative. This study examines the strategic communication dimensions of corporate transparency within the context of Indonesia's energy transition, focusing on PLN's handling of the Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) data dispute. Using a qualitative case study method and framing analysis, this research analyzes the communication strategies applied by PLN in the Central Information Commission Decision Number 155/XI/KIP-PSI-A-M-A/2023. The findings reveal that PLN employs a multidimensional communication approach combining regulatory compliance framing, risk communication narratives, and stakeholder-specific messaging. The company's internal regulations (Board Regulation No. 0004.P/DIR/2024 and Implementation Regulation No. 0005.SPO/DIR/2025) serve not only as legal instruments but also as strategic communication frameworks enabling message consistency. The study identifies three main communication frames: "National Security" emphasizing critical infrastructure protection, "Competitive Sustainability" balancing environmental and business interests, and "Verified Accountability" offering a middle path of transparency. This study concludes that effective energy governance communication requires an alignment of frames between corporate interests and public expectations, with internal regulations acting as a communication infrastructure providing legitimacy and strategic consistency.