Strengthening Flood Preparedness through Website-Based Green Communication and Community Engagement in Palaran Indonesia
Kezia Arum Sary*, Ziya Ibrizah, and Ahmad Ridha Mubarak

MULAWARMAN UNIVERSITY

Abstract

This study investigates the efficacy of website-based green communication and community engagement as a strategy to enhance flood preparedness in Palaran, Indonesia, a region where urban and peri-urban flooding is a recurrent phenomenon. Employing a descriptive qualitative methodology, this research draws upon semi-structured interviews with a diverse cohort of 12 participants, including community leaders, village officials, youth representatives, educators, environmental volunteers, and flood-affected residents. The findings indicate that digital communication platforms are highly effective in elevating community awareness of environmental issues and associated flood risks. Educational content, particularly visual narratives, infographics, and digital publications, was perceived as both highly comprehensible and contextually relevant. A significant increase in community engagement was observed when digital information dissemination was synergistically supported by local neighborhood forums (Forum RT), mutual cooperation (gotong royong), and intergenerational collaboration. The strategic use of social media further amplified message outreach, while content emphasizing nature-based solutions, such as reforestation and sustainable waste management, successfully encouraged the adoption of sustainable practices at the local level. Despite these positive outcomes, several challenges persist, including inadequate internet infrastructure, a pronounced digital literacy gap among the elderly, and the lack of formal integration between the digital platform and official early warning systems. However, substantial opportunities for development are present through strategic collaborations among local government bodies, educational institutions, and environmental non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Ultimately, this research concludes that website-based green communication functions not only as a didactic tool for flood education but also as a collaborative platform that substantively strengthens community engagement and resilience in flood-prone territories.

Keywords: Green Communication, Community Engagement, Flood Preparedness

Topic: Digital Communication for Inclusive Societies