Communication Strategy of Aceh Government to Handling Covid-19 Pandemic in Aceh Province

Abstract

Corona Virus Disease 2019 or Covid-19 that firstly identified in Wuhan-China rapidly spreaded to 215 countries over the world and has not ended yet. In Indonesia, the first Covid-19 outbreak case was on March 2020 and also has spread rapidly to all provinces. Aceh is noted to be more successful in dealing with the pandemic compared to other provinces. Aceh achieved appreciation from central government and asked to share successful experiences with other provinces. This study is aimed to identify and analyze the Communication Strategy applied by Aceh Government and the challenges faced while handling the Covid-19 Pandemic in Aceh. This descriptive-analytic research uses interview, observation and documentation study techniques as data collection techniques. Furthermore, the data is processed using Constant Comparative Techniques and Domain Analysis in order to obtain relatively valid conclusions. The results of the study concluded that there were 4 (four) Communication Strategies implemented by the Aceh Government, namely: Motivational Communication Strategy, Quick Response Strategy, Leadership Commitment Communication Strategy and Mass Communication Strategy. Meanwhile, there are various challenges faced by the Aceh Government in implementing a communication strategy while handling the Covid-19 pandemic, that is; Regional Accessibility, Socio-Economic, Socio-Cultural and Religious as well as Local Political Dynamics.