Journal of Social Political Sciences (JSPS)
Vol 6 No 4 (2025): November 2025

COMMUNICATING ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY: CSR BENIH BAIK AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF GARUDA INDONESIA’S GREEN AIRLINE IMAGE

Dela Anjelawati (Unknown)
Dinda Amaris (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
19 Dec 2025

Abstract

The intensification of global environmental crises has compelled the aviation sector to adopt Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) not merely as a philanthropic obligation but as a vital strategic communication tool for reputation management. This study critically analyzes the "Benih Baik" initiative by Garuda Indonesia to understand how environmental CSR is mobilized to construct a "Green Airline" image. Integrating perspectives from Media Ecology, Stakeholder Engagement, and Greenwashing theories, the research explores the tension between symbolic communication and substantive impact. The study employs a qualitative single-case methodology, utilizing data triangulation from in-depth interviews with corporate communication practitioners, extensive documentation review, and digital media observations during the 2024–2025 period. The analysis reveals that Garuda Indonesia executes a systematic communication strategy characterized by "identity construction" positioning the airline as a guardian of national nature—and "visual persuasion," where digital content of mangrove planting serves as primary evidence of responsibility. Additionally, participatory messaging is used to foster a sense of collective ownership among stakeholders. However, a critical gap emerges: while the campaign succeeds in generating high visibility and emotional resonance, it notably lacks the disclosure of measurable ecological data, such as tree survival rates or quantified carbon offsets. This absence of verifiable outcomes suggests a reliance on "symbolic legitimacy," leaving the airline vulnerable to potential greenwashing critiques. The study concludes that sustainable reputation building in aviation requires a paradigm shift from performing visibility to proving ecological accountability, offering strategic insights for airlines operating in developing economies

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jsps

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management Education

Description

JSPS, Journal of Social-Political Sciences study the sociological impacts of political systems, change in political policies and administration. It also refers to the study of interdisciplinary aspects of politics and international relations, social anthropology, social policy, global public health, ...