Communication Strategies of Village Governments in Enhancing Community Participation for Sustainable Development

Abstract

This study aims to analyse the communication strategies implemented by village governments to enhance community participation toward sustainable development. The research focuses on communication methods such as Village Development Planning Meetings (Musrenbang), traditional and digital media, as well as communication barriers that arise at the village level, including information gaps and paternalistic cultural norms. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of interpersonal communication by village leaders in building trust and fostering active community participation. A qualitative approach was employed in this research, with fieldwork conducted in several villages in Indonesia. The findings indicate that effective communication strategies—particularly the use of information technology and the personal approach of village heads—significantly increase citizen participation. This study contributes theoretically to the literature on participatory development communication and offers practical implications for communication governance at the village level. Keywords: Communication Strategy, Community Participation, Sustainable Development, Village Government, Interpersonal Communication.