The death of an online motorcycle taxi driver who was run over by a Brimob tactical vehicle during a national demonstration on August 28, 2025, sparked public outrage and led to potential further demonstrations in various regions, including Ponorogo. This situation placed the Ponorogo Police in a crisis that demanded a strategic response through fast, accurate, and credible communication. This study aims to analyze the crisis management strategy carried out by the Ponorogo Police in mitigating the issue of demonstrations related to this case and efforts to improve
the image ofthe institution. The research uses a descriptive qualitative method with data collection techniques in the form of observation, interviews, and documentation. The analysis is developed based on Steven Fink's (1986) Crisis
Management theory, which includes the prodromal, acute, chronic, and resolution phases. The results of the study show that in the prodomoral stage, the Ponorogo Police conducted situation monitoring and early detection, in the acute stage they responded to the crisis through increased patrols, persuasive approaches, and open communication with the community, in the chronic stage they clarified information and managed public issues, and in the resolution stage they carried out activities involving parties or groups, such as breakfast together, prayer together, and social services as an effort to restore relations with the community and rebuild public trust. As a result, the Ponorogo Police succeeded in reducing the issue of an impending demonstration.
Keywords: Crisis Management, Crisis Communication, Ponorogo Police, Online
motorcycle taxis, Steven Fink