Mediator: Jurnal Komunikasi
Vol. 19 No. 1 (2026): Mediator: Jurnal Komunikasi (Sinta 2)

Media and Participatory-Driven Communication Strategies in Raising Public Awareness of River Rehabilitation

Heni Nuraeni Zaenudin (Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia)
Ahmad Fahrul Muchtar Affandi (Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia)
Kokom Siti Komariah (Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia)
Bagus Aditya Susanto (Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia)
Alwan Husni Ramdani (Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia)
Arrafi Malika Ardy (Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Jul 2026

Abstract

River degradation poses a serious threat to ecological stability and global public health. While environmental awareness continues to grow, it is often not accompanied by commensurate concrete action. This study aims to identify factors that bridge the gap between awareness and action in river rehabilitation programs. Through a systematic literature review of 46 academic articles (2020–2025) grounded in the SMCR communication model, this study examines the mechanisms that translate awareness into collective action. Key findings reveal a "Participation Paradox". Developed countries employing sophisticated campaigns experience a larger awareness-action gap due to one-way communication practices. Conversely, developing countries are more successful because they employ a dialogic approach based on community and trust. The "collective storytelling" mechanism, pioneered by community leaders, has proven to be the most effective in converting awareness into concrete action because it fosters trust and shared agency. In conclusion, dialogue and trust are far more crucial than technological sophistication. Management institutions must shift their role from mere information disseminators to dialogue facilitators. This study encourages practitioners to adopt community-based strategies and engage local leaders as catalysts for behavior change for successful river restoration.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

mediator

Publisher

Subject

Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences

Description

Mediator: Jurnal Komunikasi focuses on communication studies and media. Although centered on communication, the Mediator is open and welcomes the contribution of many disciplines and approaches that meet at crossroads with communication studies. The type of writing is in the form of scientific ...