JAKARTA — The book The Art of Omong Kosong: Office Politics, the Secrets of Career and Business Success was officially launched at a public discussion held at Gramedia Jalma, Jakarta, on Saturday (January 17, 2026). The event featured the book’s author, Hasto Suprayogo, alongside Sachin Vijaya Gopalan, Founder and CEO of the Indonesia Economic Forum, and was moderated by host Hisa Audrina.
During the discussion, Hasto explained that the book was born out of his personal experiences navigating the gap between idealism and reality in the professional world. Many young professionals, he noted, enter the workplace believing that meritocracy alone will determine success.
“Many of us step into the working world with strong idealism, only to realize there is a gap between what we believe in and the reality we face every day,” Hasto said.
According to him, office politics is an unavoidable aspect of professional life. Rather than framing it as something inherently negative, Hasto argued that politics should be understood as a practical reality that shapes careers.
“Office politics is real and has a direct impact on our lives. It’s not about winning or losing, but about surviving and growing,” he explained.
Hasto emphasized that while idealism remains important, it must be accompanied by an awareness of real workplace dynamics.
“Having ideals matters, but idealism alone is not enough to survive in the professional world,” he added.
One of the book’s key ideas is the role of small talk, which Hasto refers to as “omong kosong.” Often dismissed as meaningless conversation, he argued that casual interactions are crucial for building trust and understanding power dynamics in the workplace.
“Small talk is often underestimated, but it’s precisely through these conversations that we begin to understand office politics,” Hasto said.
This perspective was echoed by Sachin Vijaya Gopalan, who described politics as an inseparable part of human interaction, not limited to government or formal power structures.
“Wherever there are people, there is politics. Politics is simply how we deal with others, whether at the office, in our families, or within our social circles,” Sachin said.
Sachin also highlighted the importance of relationship-building, situational awareness, and behavioral adaptability as essential skills in today’s professional environment. Trust, he noted, remains the foundation of effective collaboration across all levels of an organization.
The discussion continued with a question-and-answer session, where participants raised concerns about how to showcase their work and build influence without being perceived negatively by colleagues. Responding to this, Hasto encouraged participants not to be overly preoccupied with others’ perceptions.
“The higher you grow and the more visible you become, the more friction and envy you will encounter. That’s something you simply can’t avoid,” he said.
The event concluded with a book signing session and a group photo with the speakers. Through The Art of Omong Kosong, Hasto Suprayogo hopes readers will become more aware of workplace politics and approach it not with fear, but with understanding and strategic awareness.