BPBD Gorontalo Regency’s Flood Prevention and Mitigation Strategies: An Environmental Communication Study

Abstract

BPBD Gorontalo Regency’s Flood Prevention and Mitigation Strategies: An
Environmental Communication Study. Effective communication is crucial in
enhancing community awareness and preparedness for natural disasters, such as
floods. This study examines the communication strategy of the Gorontalo Regency
Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) in the information dissemination
about flood disaster preparedness and mitigation to the community. It employs a
descriptive-qualitative method. Data collection originates from in-depth interviews,
observation, and documentation. Informant selection is conducted purposively,
involving key informants, primary informants, and supporting informants. The
analysis employs the Environmental Communication approach by Flor & Cangara,
and its procedure follows the guidelines of Miles, Huberman, and Saldana. The
findings reveal that there are several strategies carried out by the Gorontalo Regency
Regional Disaster Management Agency in the information dissemination about flood
disaster preparedness and mitigation to the community, namely: 1) Communication
Target Strategy, which describes that the primary communication targets are all
people who live in the Gorontalo Regency area, specifically in flood-prone areas. As
a communicator, the Prevention and Preparedness Division of the Gorontalo
Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency serves as the primary source of
information, considering the communication targets. 2) Communication Message
Strategy, namely that each communication message has a goal that focuses on getting
information to the community so that the community can carry out flood disaster
prevention and mitigation measures. 3) Communication Media Strategy, namely that
the Gorontalo Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency utilizes and
prioritizes social media as a tool for disseminating information in addition to other
media, such as direct socialization or counseling. The main social media are
Facebook and WhatsApp due to efficient financing and effective access. Through the
information dissemination, the agency aims to foster a culture of resilience among
residents.