Risk Communication in Reducing Flood Risk in Jakarta

Abstract

Jakarta is an area that is frequently facing flood. With its condition which is located in low plain, surely it will be a reception area of water flowing from upper plain around Jakarta. Human may strongly have a contribution in causing flood. Therefore, it needs a strategic effort to increase the awareness of Jakarta’s people to keep their environment from the danger of flood which in this case is the authority of BPBD DKI Jakarta (Badan Penanggulangan Bencana Daerah/Regional Disaster Management Agency). This research base on communication sciences’ perspectives, especially the study of risk communication. Researchers use qualitative- descriptive approach. Interview and observation as primary data. While literary review and documentation as secondary data. To validate the data, the researchers use the technique of triangulation of method. The results of this research are that there are several steps in risk communication planning in reducing flood risk in Jakarta. The first step is to determine the purpose and objectives of saving lives, minimizing the impact and damage that may result from anticipation of flooding; Make the people of DKI Jakarta to know, be able, and do related to their awareness of flood risk. Next is to analyse the audience. All citizens of DKI have the right to get the same information. The third step is to build messages. In implementing communication messages to reduce flood risk, any information submitted must be clear, logical, and easy to understand. The fourth step is to determine the right method. BPBD DKI Jakarta divides into two categories of conditions. First, the method used to create communication messages during normal conditions. Secondly, the method used when the flood has occurred. The fifth step is setting the schedule. Regarding the schedule arrangement, BPBD DKI Jakarta refers to Law No. 24 Year of 2007 on Disaster Management. Schedule setting is done once a year by doing contingency plan which is in sub district level. The final step is to evaluate the risk communication effort. The evaluation is correlated with the contingency plan. This means that annual evaluations are carried out to determine whether flood mitigation and flood risk management are better or worse.