Manajemen Komunikasi Bencana Dinas Pemadam Kebakaran dan Penyelamatan (DISDAMKARMAT) dalam Penanggulangan Kebakaran di Kota Medan

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the disaster communication management carried out by the Fire and Rescue Department (DISDAMKARMAT) of Medan City in fire emergency response, identify the challenges faced, and evaluate its effectiveness by using the concept of disaster communication management (Puji Lestari) as the main theoretical framework. This research employs a descriptive qualitative approach, with data collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation studies. The findings indicate that disaster communication management implemented by DISDAMKARMAT Medan has been conducted comprehensively through the stages of planning, organizing, implementation, and evaluation. Public education efforts and the use of various communication channels, including social media, reflect the integration of communication in fire mitigation strategies. However, DISDAMKARMAT faces challenges such as uncontrollable public behavior at incident sites, the spread of hoaxes, and technical constraints. Despite these obstacles, the effectiveness of communication is considered high due to rapid response, increased public trust, a positive institutional image, strong internal coordination, and the optimization of information technology—such as Instagram Live—to accelerate the delivery of emergency information.