Policy Community Research Articles

The Role of Community Social Capital and Collective Action in the Development of Sustainable Tourism

ABSTRACTBangelan Tourism Village in Indonesia holds significant potential as a tourist destination that delivers both economic and social benefits to the local community. This study focuses on the role of social capital as a key factor in the success of sustainable tourism development. The theoretical framework of this research centres on social capital, which includes trust, social networks and norms as essential elements that facilitate collective action between communities and the government to achieve sustainable tourism. Social capital, in its connection to sustainable tourism, enables coordination and collaboration among local stakeholders to pursue common goals. Uniquely, this study demonstrates that community‐driven collective action, supported by social capital, is more effective than government‐initiated programmes in advancing sustainable tourism in rural Indonesia, filling a gap in the existing literature. Data were collected via questionnaires from 261 heads of households in Bangelan Tourism Village and analysed using the structural equation modelling (SEM) partial least square (PLS) method. The results indicate that social capital, represented by trust, social networks and norms, has a strong positive influence on collective action. In turn, collective action has an even stronger impact on achieving sustainable tourism. The practical implications underscore the importance of strengthening social capital to promote active community participation in tourism management, through strategies such as community training and policies that foster mutual cooperation. This research provides a significant contribution to the literature on the relationship between social capital, collective action and sustainable tourism development, offering valuable insights for policymakers seeking to strengthen social capital in support of sustainable rural tourism.

Supporting equitable cervical cancer elimination for Australia's culturally and linguistically diverse communities: A call for intersectoral action.

Cervical cancer is a preventable disease and is related to persistent health equities. Whilst several priority populations face health inequities related to cervical cancer prevention, my co-authors and I bring special attention to those who identify as culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD). By reflecting on some of our research and work experiences, we propose four ways that governments and policymakers can enact the community engagement goals of the published and proposed cervical cancer prevention and treatment strategies for CALD communities. This includes: (1) Developing a culturally appropriate approach to collecting and interpreting cultural, ethnic and linguistic data; (2) Building and adapting the effective multicultural community policies and partnerships developed during COVID-19; (3) Incorporating national strategy recommendations across all relevant government policies and (4) Sustainably resourcing and supporting participatory health promotion activities and interventions. By implementing the recommendations above, Australia will continue to lead the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem. It will demonstrate how genuine and authentic CALD partnerships and collaborations can reduce national CALD health inequities.

STRATEGI KOMUNIKASI KEBIJAKAN DALAM PROGRAM PENURUNAN STUNTING DI KECAMATAN MEDAN SELAYANG

Stunting is a serious health problem in Indonesia caused by chronic malnutrition, especially in children. The Indonesian government has made various efforts to reduce stunting rates, including by implementing health policies through effective public communication. Based on data from the Ministry of State Secretariat of the Republic of Indonesia, the stunting prevalence rate in Indonesia shows a decline from 27.67 percent in 2019 to 21.6 percent in 2022. Even though there has been a decline, this figure has still not reached the expected figure. The target set is to reduce the stunting rate by 3.4 percent per year with a target stunting rate of 14% by 2024. This research uses a literature review method which presents theories and findings from various journals and other research materials. The aim of this research is to examine the effectiveness of health policy communication in the stunting reduction program in Medan City, as well as to understand the role of communication in encouraging public awareness and better policy implementation

Improving citizen-government interactions with generative artificial intelligence: Novel human-computer interaction strategies for policy understanding through large language models.

Effective communication of government policies to citizens is crucial for transparency and engagement, yet challenges such as accessibility, complexity, and resource constraints obstruct this process. In the digital transformation and Generative AI era, integrating Generative AI and artificial intelligence technologies into public administration has significantly enhanced government governance, promoting dynamic interaction between public authorities and citizens. This paper proposes a system leveraging the Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) technology combined with Large Language Models (LLMs) to improve policy communication. Addressing challenges of accessibility, complexity, and engagement in traditional dissemination methods, our system uses LLMs and a sophisticated retrieval mechanism to generate accurate, comprehensible responses to citizen queries about policies. This novel integration of RAG and LLMs for policy communication represents a significant advancement over traditional methods, offering unprecedented accuracy and accessibility. We experimented with our system with a diverse dataset of policy documents from both Chinese and US regional governments, comprising over 200 documents across various policy topics. Our system demonstrated high accuracy, averaging 85.58% for Chinese and 90.67% for US policies. Evaluation metrics included accuracy, comprehensibility, and public engagement, measured against expert human responses and baseline comparisons. The system effectively boosted public engagement, with case studies highlighting its impact on transparency and citizen interaction. These results indicate the system's efficacy in making policy information more accessible and understandable, thus enhancing public engagement. This innovative approach aims to build a more informed and participatory democratic process by improving communication between governments and citizens.

Take India as an example to explore the role of media in policy communication

This paper examines the role of media in the dissemination and implementation of public policy in India. Through an analysis of various media platforms, including television, newspapers, and social media, the study explores how the media influences public perception and understanding of government policies. The paper highlights the dual role media plays in both promoting policies and holding the government accountable by fostering public debate and scrutiny. Key case studies, such as the Digital India initiative, demonstrate how effective media engagement can lead to increased policy awareness and citizen participation. However, the study also identifies significant challenges, including media bias, the spread of misinformation, and unequal access to media in rural areas. These issues can hinder the successful communication of policies and undermine trust in government efforts. The paper concludes by stressing the need for media reform, greater media literacy, and improved infrastructure to ensure that public policy dissemination reaches all sectors of society and remains accurate and unbiased. This research underscores the critical role media plays in shaping democratic governance and public policy outcomes in India.

Mapping the field of climate finance research: a bibliometric analysis

ABSTRACT Over the past 10 years, the term ‘Climate Finance' has evolved and is now a popular topic in the climate policy community. To reduce the consequences of climate vulnerabilities and prepare for the negative effects of climate change, climate finance seeks various funding sources for climate change mitigation and adaptation. The primary goal of this study is to perform a comprehensive and updated bibliometric analysis to understand the evolution and current state of climate finance research and identify potential future research directions. The main findings indicate (1) climate finance research started in 2010, (2) most of the published literature, authors, and institutions in climate finance research are from China, the United States, and the United Kingdom, and (3) a large portion of scholarly literature in climate finance focuses on finance for low-carbon transition, renewable energy, and the challenges of climate funding.

The Role of Chinese Media in the Decline of Fertility Rates: A Critical Analysis of Policy Communication and Representation of Women's Perspectives

The media plays a crucial role in the distribution of public policy, serving as a critical connection between the government and the general public. The media promotes the rapid communication of policy information nationwide through many platforms, including traditional news outlets and social media. Nonetheless, the communication strategy utilized by Chinese media primarily remains largely unidirectional. It insufficiently conveys public sentiment and real social needs to politicians. The disconnect is apparent in the execution of pro-childbirth policies, as long-term initiatives to promote childbirth have not substantially enhanced women's inclination to have children. The media primarily emphasizes the promotion polices and expected societal advantages, frequently neglecting the necessity of addressing and incorporating public concerns and perspectives. This gap emphasizes the necessity to build a more interactive and responsive media construction to properly facilitate conversation between the state and its constituents.

Exploring the complexities of slum vulnerability in Haryana, India: a qualitative research journey into economic, social, physical, and health dimensions

ABSTRACT Purpose The study explores the conditions contributing to slum dweller’s vulnerability to poor health and examines interplay between economic, physical/infrastructural, and social factors affecting health status to inform policy and programme. Methods The methodology deployed for data analysis was mixed deductive-inductive. A deductive framework was adapted for categorizing the data into four broad themes: Economic, Physical/Infrastructure, Social, and Health. Using Braun and Clarke’s principle, we also mapped sub themes based on researchers’ insights with the experiences shared by the slum populations. The study was conducted across 13 districts in slum areas to gather information from vulnerable groups based on the 40 focus group discussions. Findings Poverty serves as a primary driver of domestic/internal migration from rural to urban areas, aggravating issues such as illiteracy, unemployment, and inadequate living conditions, which predispose slum dwellers to various health problems. Limited access to food, poor water quality, and improper waste disposal further compound health risks. People living in slums face economic, social, and physical vulnerabilities leading to health vulnerability and outcome. Conclusions Enhancing the health and well-being of slum dwellers requires adopting an integrated and comprehensive approach of policy intervention, community mobilization, and multisectoral intervention.

Partnering for energy justice: Indigenous–corporate relationships in renewable energy industries in Australia

Around the world Indigenous communities are involved in the renewable energy industries. Relationships with for-profit corporations are integral to this development. Indigenous communities are entering into partnership with renewable energy corporations or developing their own renewable energy corporations. Relying on doctrinal, desk and case study methodologies, this article analyses six case studies and identifies three Indigenous–corporate relationships in the renewable energy sector in Australia. These include (1) renewable energy corporations that have proposed partial agreements with Indigenous communities; (2) Indigenous-led partnerships with non-Indigenous corporations; and (3) Indigenous-owned renewable energy projects. We interrogate these Indigenous–corporate relations in the context of energy justice with a focus on fairness in procedure, recognition, and distribution of benefits. We conclude by highlighting the gaps in energy justice in the current practices of Indigenous–corporate relations in renewable energy industries in Australia. Accordingly, this article is significant because it fills a gap in the scholarly literature on Indigenous and corporate relationships. Furthermore, it sheds light on the practices in the field that play an important role in government and community policy development centred around the improvement of Indigenous and corporate relationships – and settler colonial interactions more generally.

Creating Barriers to Healthcare and Advance Care Planning by Requiring Hospitals to Ask Patients About Their Immigration Status.

Florida is currently collecting data on the "costs of uncompensated care for aliens who are not lawfully present in the U.S."(Statutes of Florida, 2023). The Florida data collection law, enacted in 2023, is part of aggressive anti-immigrant legislation. Hospitals accepting Medicaid must inquire about patients' immigration status and submit de-identified reports. In August 2024, the Governor of Texas signed an Executive Order comparable to the Florida statute. Although presented as a data-collection measure, the legal requirements have far-reaching consequences. The potential adverse impacts on immigrants' health pose bioethical concerns. Immigration-related inquiries create barriers to healthcare access and advance care planning, exacerbating healthcare disparities and presenting ethical concerns. This article examines the effects on immigrants and the resulting ethical challenges, including respect for persons, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. The article proposes recommendations for mitigating these challenges, including community outreach, patient education, policy development, in-service education, and advocacy. While the legal requirements apply specifically to Florida and Texas, the ethical issues have nationwide relevance.

Rosary Unites

Abstract The article addresses the project “Rosary Unites” of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) to understand recent changes in religious practices, religious identity, and communication policy of the minority church during the war in Ukraine. The UGCC attempts to reproduce the communication policies of the Catholic Church, so it inevitably enacts its religious practices into Greek Catholic tradition. During the war, the UGCC, as a minority church, uses digital media to be more visible in the public realm: to address and bind all people of Ukraine regardless of their religious self-identification. As a result, online rosary prayer serves as the expression of Ukrainian identity, solidarity, national unity, and resilience in a time of war.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Health Communication Policy in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects

Advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) are reshaping health communication worldwide, a key aspect of enhancing public health. This study analyzed current health communication policies to pinpoint areas where AI-driven approaches are yet to be addressed. In Nigeria, integrating AI into health communication policies presents both opportunities and hurdles. The study examined how AI can boost health communication initiatives in Nigeria, particularly through AI-powered tools that enhance the spread of health messages, patient education, and public awareness campaigns. Additionally, the study highlighted challenges in implementing AI technologies, including limited infrastructure, inadequate data management, and a shortage of skilled professionals. The paper also presented the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform health communication. It suggested policy guidelines to support its integration while reducing risks. Additionally, it recommended policy changes, training, and cooperation among stakeholders to leverage AI's power in health communication. In Nigeria, the outlook for AI in health communication is optimistic, assuming focused investments in technology, training, and regulatory reforms.

What rural ecological governance goals do local residents prefer? Evidence from Hainan, China

Rural ecosystems restoration requires the joint participation of rural residents and government in governance. This study aims to analyze whether rural ecological governance goals are consistent with rural residents' preferences and how they affect rural residents' utility levels, which are key to rural residents' ecological governance participation behavior. Using survey data from 653 rural residents in Hainan Island, China, this paper applies a choice experiment method and a random parameter logit model to identify differences in rural residents' preferences for different rural ecological governance policy goals and their governance participation behaviors. The results show that increasing the coverage rate of sewage treatment facilities, reducing fertilizer and pesticide application, and increasing rural biodiversity can significantly enhance rural residents' ecological governance participation utility, thereby promoting their choice of ecological governance options. Rural residents' participation behavior in rural ecological governance is also influenced by individual and household characteristics such as ethnicity, labor size, net farm income, ICT usage, and ecological knowledge level. Based on these findings, policymakers should strengthen communication of governance policies and objectives, respect rural residents' policy goal preferences, prioritize the implementation of rural ecological governance models that increase the coverage of wastewater treatment facilities, reduce fertilizer and pesticide application, and increase rural biodiversity, and rely on ICT devices to popularize ecological knowledge among rural residents.

Community-Based Plastic Waste Management Model in Bangun Village, Mojokerto Regency, Indonesia

This study aims to design a community-based plastic waste management model specifically for Bangun Village, Mojokerto. Using a qualitative approach through a detailed case study, we gathered rich data from observations, interviews, and document reviews. Our findings reveal that the plastic waste management situation in Bangun Village is fraught with significant social, economic, and environmental challenges. These include inadequate waste segregation, limited recycling facilities, and a general lack of community awareness and participation. The proposed model seeks to address these issues by implementing several key components: community-based plastic waste collection and processing, educational programs to raise awareness and promote sustainable practices, partnerships with external stakeholders such as local government bodies, NGOs, and private sector entities, and institutional restructuring to support and sustain these initiatives. Central to this model is the belief that community education and awareness are crucial foundations for fostering sustainable behavior. By actively involving the community in the waste management process, the model not only aims to mitigate the plastic waste problem but also seeks to provide economic and social benefits to the residents of Bangun Village. This includes creating job opportunities, improving public health, and enhancing the overall quality of life. The strength of this model lies in its ability to integrate community participation, policy support, and external partnerships, making it a robust and effective solution for sustainable plastic waste management. By fostering a collaborative and inclusive approach, the model aims to create a sustainable and resilient community that can effectively tackle the plastic waste challenge while reaping economic and social benefits. In conclusion, the community-based plastic waste management model proposed for Bangun Village has the potential to bring about significant positive changes in the way plastic waste is managed. Through this model, we hope to empower the community to contribute to solving the plastic waste problem while also benefiting economically and socially.

Acceptability of a city-wide transport plan: A thematic analysis of written consultation responses

IntroductionPolicy intervention to reduce car use is required for environmental and health benefits. Multi-component interventions with both positive (i.e. ‘carrot’) and negative (i.e. ‘stick’) strategies are effective in promoting modal shift, but ‘stick’ strategies are less acceptable and often abandoned before implementation. This study aims to understand the arguments surrounding policy acceptability for a multi-component transport plan including both carrot and stick strategies in Cambridge, UK. MethodsA series of public consultations between 2017 and 2022 informed transport priorities and provided feedback on a range of proposals. The final public consultation sought views on detailed proposals to expand the bus network and invest in sustainable travel infrastructure funded by the implementation of a road user charge. Following the consultation, concessions were made to the plans and they were later abandoned due to a lack of political consensus. We downloaded and analysed written responses generated during the consultation to identify arguments influencing policy acceptance. ResultsFrom 115 included responses, we identified five themes: (1) support for the overall vision of the transport strategy; (2) mixed support on proposals (favouring carrots but not sticks); (3) concerns about consultation process; (4) concerns about deliverability of proposals; and (5) the effects of the scheme on transport, inequalities and economic growth. ConclusionsOur findings suggest that policy design and communication should focus on perceived effectiveness and equity and building trust among agencies ahead of policy proposals to support the effective implementation of travel policy solutions.

Systematic Review of the Psychosocial Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on West African Migrants in Victoria, Australia

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic impacted among others on physical and mental health, and this is profound and, projected to persist for a long period. The impact was compounded by measures such as social distancing and community lockdowns especially in Victoria, Australia to control the spread. Aim: To review published studies that focus on the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Victorians in Australia. Methods: This study followed the PRISMA-ScR process. The McMasters critical appraisal tool was utilised to appraise the identified studies of which 76% were quantitative, the SPICE framework was used to identify the studies. Results: Data search yielded 232,159 articles, out of which only 33 were included for critical appraisal. Most (87%) of the articles reported on psychosocial distress relative to 33% on social support, and 24% on coping strategies. Considerably less of the studies focused on other phenomenona of interests including 15% on life satisfaction, 9% on past trauma histories, and minimal 1% on memory of the previous traumatic events. Conclusion: This review highlights the extent that past studies have focused on phenomena around psychosocially distress from COVID-19, and the subsequent coping strategies, which are imperative for patient care. Therefore, this report highlights a void in literature, especially regarding strongest memory of events and previous trauma history. The implication of this report is on how findings can guide mental health policy and trauma-informed care for migrant communities affected by multiple traumas.

Integrating Small Modular Reactors and Policy Frameworks for Sustainable Energy Security in Indonesia

This study evaluates the potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as a sustainable solution for Indonesia's energy diversification. Amid Indonesia’s rising energy demands and environmental commitments, SMRs-particularly Small Modular Molten Salt Reactors (SM-MSRs)-present an alternative to conventional power sources. SMRs offer advantages like modularity, operational efficiency, and safety, making them suitable for Indonesia’s geographically dispersed landscape. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, this research examines the technical, regulatory, and societal factors influencing SMR integration. Findings reveal that while SMRs show competitive Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) compared to coal, challenges remain, including stringent regulatory requirements, high initial capital costs, and limited public acceptance due to nuclear safety concerns. Policy adjustments, community engagement, and collaboration with established SMR programs globally are suggested to address these issues. Additionally, SMRs’ scalability and compatibility with renewables support Indonesia’s goals for a resilient energy mix, potentially transforming remote energy access. This comprehensive approach underscores the viability of SMRs within Indonesia’s energy transition, contributing to a cleaner, more flexible energy infrastructure

Sustainable Urban mobility: Lessons from European Cities

The rising urgency of climate change and rapid urbanization has compelled cities worldwide to prioritize sustainable urban mobility. This article explores the innovative strategies implemented by leading European cities—such as Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Vienna—in fostering sustainable transport solutions, including dedicated cycling infrastructure, car-free zones, and integrated public transport systems. By examining these cities' comprehensive approaches to urban planning, policy frameworks, and public engagement, this article highlights the key factors contributing to their success in reducing emissions, enhancing urban liveability, and shifting public behaviour toward sustainable modes of transport. Through a comparative analysis of these cities’ approaches, the study aims to offer actionable insights for global cities seeking to adopt similar sustainable mobility practices. In conclusion, the article discusses the critical role of policy support, infrastructure investment, and community involvement in making urban mobility more sustainable, equitable, and accessible, emphasizing the scalability of European models for cities around the world.

Teachers, Learners and Edu-Business Co-Constructing Mathematics Curriculum Implementation: An Insider’s Lens in Cross-Phase Longitudinal Research

This paper draws on a five-component, large-scale, longitudinal and cross-phase mathematics curriculum implementation study in England from the vantage point of an insider to overlapping school, policy and edu-business actor communities. It probed those actors’ emergent co-interpretation of, and response to, a new mathematics curriculum in England, analysing the ways in which edu-businesses, teachers and learners mediate mathematics curriculum policy documents through their own interpretations and schema. The combination of common ‘classroom-close’ research tools supported synergies of cross-phase and longitudinal lenses. The paper contributes an enhanced conceptualisation of inter-actor influence, a theorisation of learner as policy actor, and an understanding of constraints on mathematics policy-driven change at teacher and learner levels, including challenges to communication of intended curriculum policy, across phases of schooling. The approach appears fruitful for analysis of the experience and mediation of mathematics curriculum policy by key policy actors.

Policy Learning for National Advantage and Sovereign Governance in Non‐Western Contexts: Comparing Public Management Reforms in Azerbaijan, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan

ABSTRACTPolicy transfer literature as a strand within policy studies highlights “national context” as crucial to understanding processes of transfer, convergence, and diffusion across contexts. While the policy transfer framework associated with it more specifically identifies “facilitators” and “constraints” of such national context as key to international policy learning based on doctrines such as NPM (New Public Management) and the like, policy scholars and practitioners have been struggling not only with the puzzle of “who learns what from whom” but also “how are policy lessons learned?” Based on these underpinnings, this paper attempts to compare public management reforms in Azerbaijan, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan, three “upper/middle‐income” countries situated respectively in South Caucasus, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia, which share in common features including post‐Soviet/post‐colonial legacy, relative economic prosperity, and Muslim‐majority populations. Relying on the policy transfer framework and ethnographic empirical research in Baku, Kuala Lumpur, and Astana during July 2022 to August 2023, the findings reveal an increasing “creativity” of these regimes in terms of adopting “policy learning” to fit their “sovereignty” agenda, often masking their autocratic nature and likely causing policy communication gaps between political principals, bureaucrats, and the citizenry. The latter coupled with evidence of an increasing influence of ethno‐religious dynamics on reform implementation might as well be interpreted as transfer constraints likely to undermine the effectiveness of lesson‐learning based on global administrative doctrines in order to sustain their national competitive advantages in the long run.