Participatory Training on Effective Government Communication Governance Practices for Government Officials and Community Members in Marongge Village, Tomo District, Sumedang Regency

Abstract

Effective village government communication governance is a crucial element in realizing transparent, participatory, and accountable village governance. However, in many villages, communication between village government officials and the community remains one-way and administrative in nature, and has not optimally encouraged citizen participation. This community service activity aims to enhance the capacity of village officials and the community of Marongge Village, Tomo Sub-district, Sumedang Regency, in understanding and implementing effective government communication governance in responding to the spread of hoax information. The implementation methods include problem mapping, participatory training, focus group discussions, village government communication simulations, and activity evaluation.  The evaluation results, based on pre- and post-training assessments, show a 38% increase in participants’ understanding of two-way communication principles and public information transparency, as well as a 42% improvement in their ability to identify and critically respond to hoax information. In addition, participation rates in village communication forums increased from 45% prior to the program to 73% after the training. The results indicate an increase in knowledge and awareness among village officials and community members regarding the importance of two-way communication, public information transparency, and service- and participation-oriented communication to avoid hoax-related situations. Furthermore, simulation performance assessments demonstrate that 81% of participants were able to apply participatory communication strategies effectively in governance scenarios. The communication governance practices developed through this training have proven effective in strengthening the institutional performance of village governance and have had a direct impact on improving the community’s ability to critically process information disseminated through social media. The conclusion of this activity highlights the enhancement of village human resource capacity, the formulation of recommendations for village government communication practices, and the establishment of a shared commitment between village officials and the community to build more effective and sustainable government communication.