PORTALJABAR, GARUT REGENCY - The Garut Regency Government will host the 2026 West Java Public Information and Communication Coordination Meeting.

The activity took place at the Garut Regency Pendopo Building, Jalan Kiansantang, Garut City District (12/8/2026).

Representing the leadership virtually, the Secretary of the West Java Province Communication and Informatics Office, Bayu Rahmana, highlighted changes in social control in society.

"Now, social control is no longer monopolized by the state. Society is starting to actively control the state. People are starting to move from objects to subjects. The narrative is being taken over by society. Social criticism is shifting to a more fluid, digital, and participatory social space through social media. Citizen journalism is supported by Artificial Intelligence (AI). Social control takes place in real time at very low cost," he said.

Bayu encouraged public relations personnel in local governments and regionally-owned enterprises to implement social listening to monitor public conversations.

This step helps the government read public emotions and perceptions and detect issues before they develop into crises.

Head of the Garut Regency Communication and Informatics Office, Agus Kurniawan, welcomed the appointment of Garut as the host of the activity.

"So, thank you to the Head of the West Java Provincial Communications and Information Service, including colleagues from Ciamis, Tasikmalaya, Pangandaran, and everyone, enjoy Garut Regency. The weather is currently dry and it might be a little colder. Later, you can enjoy the culinary delights of Garut," said Agus.

Head of the Public Communication Information Division of the West Java Communication and Information Service, Nidar Nadrotan Naim Sujana, said the activity lasted for two days with applied material.

The material covers social listening, strategies for responding to public complaints, public information requests, media relations, and high-engagement content management.

"Then there's IKP Talks #5, a quick response and effective tactic for serving information requests from community organizations and the media. Here, we'll share tips on handling information requests from the public to regional officials. This is a common issue in every district and province," he said.

The coordination meeting also discussed public relations operational strategies, including media spending in accordance with the nomenclature of the Minister of Home Affairs Regulation, the media framework, and the preparation of the Work Reference Framework.

The discussion also included social media management account codes to ensure more focused regional public communication.

The coordination meeting is expected to improve the capacity of regional public relations in reading public opinion, responding quickly to issues, and conveying information needed by the public.

(Garut Regency Communications and Information Service/bhf)