EduAsiaNews, Jakarta – The Bachelor’s Degree Program in Communication Studies at Universitas Pembangunan “Veteran” Jakarta (UPNVJ), in collaboration with the West Sumatra Disaster Risk Reduction Forum (FPRB), held a training session titled “Digitalization of Disaster Information through Social Media” at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP), on Monday (29/6/2026). This activity was part of an effort to strengthen human resource capacity in delivering disaster information quickly, accurately, and in an easily understandable manner through digital platforms.
The training featured digital communication practitioner Haura Asqo Balqis, S.I.Kom., as the resource speaker, with Chairun Nisa Zempi, M.A., serving as moderator. Participants consisted of members and administrators of the West Sumatra FPRB as well as students who took part in a series of activities, including the delivery of materials, interactive discussions, hands-on practice in creating social media content, and evaluation of the training outcomes.
In her presentation, Haura emphasized that social media is no longer merely a space for sharing information, but has evolved into an important instrument in disaster risk communication. She noted that the timely, credible, and easily understandable delivery of information can contribute to improved preparedness before, during, and after a disaster occurs.
The training material covered risk communication strategies in the digital era, social media management for disaster education, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in content production, techniques for creating visual content along with educational captions, and strategies for increasing the reach and engagement of audiences with disaster-related content.
In addition to receiving conceptual material, participants also took part in a hands-on session on developing disaster education content tailored to the characteristics of social media. This approach is expected to enhance participants’ ability to produce information that is not only informative but also engaging, making it more effective in reaching the broader public.
The training was carried out as part of a community service program in the field of disaster communication, focusing on strengthening digital literacy among disaster-related organizations. This initiative also supports disaster risk reduction efforts through the strengthening of public communication based on digital technology.
Through this activity, the West Sumatra FPRB and the participating students are expected to become increasingly prepared to utilize social media as a sustainable means of disaster education. The training is also targeted at producing sample disaster education content, generating recommendations for information digitalization strategies for organizations, and strengthening collaborative networks for disaster communication in West Sumatra.
With the enhanced digital capacity of FPRB administrators and members, the dissemination of disaster mitigation information is expected to proceed more effectively, thereby supporting the realization of a resilient community that is well-prepared to face various potential disasters.(www.upnvj.ac.id)
