Risk Communication in Preparing Resilient Villages in North Lombok Regency

Communication plays a crucial role in all aspects of life, including in the context of disaster management. North Lombok Regency is an area highly vulnerable to various natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and floods. The experience of the major earthquake in 2018 highlighted the critical need for an effective risk communication system to enhance community capacity in disaster preparedness. This study aims to gain an in-depth understanding of the risk communication processes in preparing Disaster Resilient Villages (Desa Tangguh Bencana) in North Lombok Regency. The research focuses on analyzing the roles of key actors (such as the Regional Disaster Management Agency-BPBD, village governments, NGOs, and community leaders), communication channels used, community engagement, and the challenges encountered in the risk communication process. A qualitative approach was employed in five villages (Bayan, Kayangan, Gangga, Tanjung, and Pemenang Barat) that have implemented the Disaster Resilient Village program. Data collection techniques included in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis. The data were analyzed using a descriptive qualitative method with an interpretative approach to examine emerging communication patterns. The findings indicate that risk communication at the village level has not yet been fully effective in reaching all community segments. Despite the presence of formal structures and training programs, several issues persist, such as inconsistencies in message delivery, limited disaster literacy among the population, and low community participation in simulation and training activities. This study contributes to the development of more inclusive, sustainable, and culturally grounded risk communication strategies as a key element in building truly disaster-resilient communities. Keywords: Risk Communication, Disaster Resilient Village, Disaster Risk Reduction, Community Participation.