RISK COMMUNICATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT ON THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN INDONESIA

Abstract

Governments worldwide struggled with effective responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Indonesia, with its vast geography of 17.000 islands and a population of over 273 million, required significant support to manage the outbreaks. The Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) approach was introduced to assist in the early stages of the response. The Indonesian RCCE working group was formed in February 2020, bringing together national and international agencies, government representatives, UN organizations, and civil society to address the crisis. This research examines the role of RCCE in Indonesia’s COVID-19 response from the perspective of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), using a constructivist paradigm and a qualitative approach with case studies. Data was collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews with three key informants: the founder of Lapor COVID-19, a key member of Mafindo, and the initiator of Pandemic Talks, all central to the RCCE initiative. Lapor COVID-19 provides critical information, Mafindo combats misinformation, and Pandemic Talks raises awareness about health practices. Thematic analysis of their perspectives highlights the need for strong government collaboration with stakeholders to sustain community engagement, foster cooperation, and manage the infodemic. Applying RCCE principles—such as community engagement, interagency communication, and addressing misinformation—is essential for mitigating public health crises. These findings are crucial for preparedness and response, serving as a guide for developing RCCE strategies to address potential public health crises, where clear communication, trust-building, and coordinated action are vital for achieving successful outcomes.