PORTALJABAR, DISTRICT. WEST BANDUNG - The role of villages is no longer just a priority object of development. However, now villages have a big role as determinants of development, in accordance with the mandate of Law number 6 of 2014 concerning Villages.

The rapid pace of development of globalization today has an impact on the need for new initiatives from stakeholders in rural areas, to be able to adapt to current developments.

This was conveyed by the Head of the West Bandung Regency Communication, Informatics and Statistics Service, Yoppie Indrawan Iskandar, when opening the Community Information Group (KIM) Socialization event entitled 'Village Exploration', at the Anessa Multipurpose Building, West Bandung Regency, Saturday (23/12/ 2023).

"The role of the Community Information Group (KIM) is highly expected in assisting the implementation of regional government development," he said.

Depi Agung Setiawan, Public Relations Officer of the West Java Province Communication and Informatics Service, who was present as a resource person, said that the existence of KIMs in rural areas does not only function to explore and present information related to village potential.

"The Public Information Group is also required to be skilled in monitoring public opinion and aspirations, and must also be able to sort out various types of information circulating in society," he said.

Referring to Permenkominfo number 08/Per/M.Kominfo/6/2010, Depi said that KIM must be able to create a national information dissemination network and encourage participation in democratic society and development.

"KIM can also act as a driver to improve the quality of mass media and people's intelligence in consuming information, as well as building an informative society," he said.

In connection with the 2024 Election, Depi invited all elements of society in the village to collaborate with KIM officials to eradicate the spread of hoaxes.

The KIM socialization, which was attended by representatives of residents of Giriasih Village and Cangkorah Village, Batujajar District, aims to build collaboration between the West Bandung Regency Regional Government and KIM officials, in realizing public information disclosure that is accurate, fair, balanced, valid and accountable.

Also present were the Secretary of the West Bandung Regency Communication, Informatics and Statistics Service, the Head of the Public Communication Information Division and staff, as well as representatives of the West Bandung Regency KIM Management. (Rep Pun/rdp*)