Government Communication Strategy in Restoring Public Trust in the Rebana Industrial Development Area of West Java

Abstract

The development of the Rebana Industrial Development Area in West Java is one of Indonesia's strategic initiatives to accelerate regional economic growth, industrial investment, and infrastructure connectivity. However, the implementation of this large-scale development agenda has also generated a public trust deficit caused by information asymmetry, agrarian conflict residues, environmental concerns, and perceptions of local community marginalization. This study aims to formulate a government communication strategy model for restoring public trust in the development of the Rebana industrial area. The study focuses on three main aspects: the communication style of government actors in constructing development narratives, crisis communication management mechanisms, and public trust restoration efforts involving local communities, investors, and government institutions. This paper uses a qualitative case study orientation supported by literature synthesis, document review, and a proposed fieldwork design. Data are designed to be collected through in-depth interviews, observation, document analysis, focus group discussions, and digital media narrative analysis. Informants are selected purposively from the West Java Provincial Government, the Rebana Management Agency, local governments, relevant stakeholders, and affected communities. The proposed analysis uses descriptive-interpretative techniques through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The article offers an adaptive, transparent, dialogical, and participatory government communication protocol model. The model is expected to contribute to public sector communication studies and provide practical guidance for mitigating social resistance, strengthening public legitimacy, and supporting inclusive industrial development in West Java.