Indigenous Village-Based Disaster Communication in COVID-19 Management

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Communication should always take the role to connect the community to disaster risk reduction actions. Communication aspects that must be mainly prepared are the knowledge of disaster signs, elements involved in disasters, disaster communication media, resources, the sources of basic needs of affected communities, the means of aid distribution, and human resources. Communication activities should always be carried out between the community and various stakeholders to ensure their readiness in the face of possible disaster. AIM: This study aimed to determine the indigenous village-based disaster communication strategy in Bali Province. METHODS: This study used a qualitative descriptive method. The data analysis techniques used were data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing at pre-research, during research, and post-research. Data collection was done by observing, interviewing, and documenting. RESULTS: The results of this study found that the communication model carried out by Bali Province in handling COVID-19 was by utilizing the role of indigenous villages and service villages to communicate with the community. The uniqueness of the Bali Province, which still adheres to social, cultural, and religious aspects, becomes its strength in COVID-19 management. CONCLUSION:The uniqueness of the Bali Province which still adheres to social, cultural and religious aspects becomes its strength in COVID-19 management. Local values, local knowledge and religious teachings can be collaborated and implemented in social life. COVID-19 management really requires the spirit of mutual assistance from various multi-helix elements, service villages and Indigenous Villages at the lowest level that are in direct contact with the community as a strategy to break the chain of COVID-19 spread in Bali Province.