Effective Disaster Communication Strategy at the East Java Regional Disaster Management Agency

This study examines efforts to improve the effectiveness of disaster communication at the East Java Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD). This study aims to investigate how the optimization of disaster communication at the sub-district level can enhance overall disaster management effectiveness. Specifically, it examines the strategies implemented by the East Java Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) to improve communication at the local level, addressing the challenges that hinder timely and effective information dissemination. This study employs a qualitative approach, focusing on an in-depth literature review to analyze strategies for disaster mitigation by the East Java Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD). The literature review included peer-reviewed journal articles, official reports, and case studies related to disaster communication, published between 2017 and 2023. The selection criteria prioritized sources that specifically address disaster communication strategies and challenges in Indonesia and similar regional contexts. The study's results found that disaster communication in the context of prevention can provide rules or guidelines for the community. Second, through a series of comprehensive efforts, the East Java BPBD in the Kepanjenkidul area has tried to optimize the disaster communication system, which includes aspects of technology, human resources, and coordination between stakeholders. Third, this effort mainly focuses on developing integrated ICT infrastructure, personnel capacity building, implementing multi-channel communication strategies, and strengthening early warning systems.