MAKING FIKOM UG PROUD: DR. SHILVY ANDINI SUNARTO, S.I.KOM., M.I.KOM. EARNS A DOCTORATE IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES WITH CUM LAUDE HONORS
Hello, Fikomers!
Another proud achievement has come from the Faculty of Communication Sciences, Universitas Gunadarma.
FIKOM UG extends its warmest congratulations to Dr. Shilvy Andini Sunarto, S.I.Kom., M.I.Kom., a Lecturer in the Undergraduate Communication Studies Program at Universitas Gunadarma, on successfully completing her Open Doctoral Promotion Examination in Communication Studies with cum laude honors.
This achievement marks an important milestone in her academic journey and reflects her commitment to advancing communication studies through research that is relevant to the development of society and governance in the digital era.
EXAMINING COMMUNICATION NETWORKS IN SMART CITY IMPLEMENTATION
In her dissertation entitled “Communication Network Patterns between Local Government and the Community in Supporting the Implementation of the Smart City Program in Karawang,” Dr. Shilvy Andini Sunarto examined how communication network patterns are formed between local government and the community in the implementation of Smart City programs.
Smart City implementation is not only about the use of technology. It also involves communication processes among government institutions, communities, social groups, and various interconnected stakeholders.
Through a communication network perspective, this research highlights the importance of understanding how information flows, who serves as a connector within the network, and how relationships among actors can support coordination and participation in program implementation.
THREE PROGRAMS, THREE COMMUNICATION NETWORK PATTERNS
The research found that three Smart City programs in Karawang formed different communication network characteristics.
The Dukcapil Ada Untukmu (DAU) program formed a relatively dense and distributed communication network. This pattern indicates that communication relationships are spread across the various actors involved in the network.
Meanwhile, Bank Sampah Latanza demonstrated a more centralized communication structure. In this pattern, communication relationships are largely centered around particular actors who occupy important positions within the network.
In contrast, SORABI formed a multi-hub network pattern, characterized by several centers of communication relationships within the network.
These differences demonstrate that Smart City implementation does not necessarily produce a single, uniform communication network structure. The characteristics of each program and the relationships among actors can shape different communication patterns throughout the implementation process.
THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF OPINION LEADERS
Another significant finding is the presence of opinion leaders within the communication networks connecting local government and the community.
Opinion leaders serve as connectors who help bridge communication between different parties. Their presence can facilitate the dissemination of information, strengthen coordination, and encourage greater community involvement in the programs being implemented.
These findings emphasize that effective communication in Smart City implementation does not depend solely on the availability of communication channels or technologies. The positions of actors and the relationships among them within the network also play an important role in building communication between government and the community.
DEVELOPING THE INTEGRATED SMART CITY COMMUNICATION NETWORK FRAMEWORK
Based on the overall research findings, Dr. Shilvy Andini Sunarto developed the Integrated Smart City Communication Network Framework.
This framework represents one of the study’s contributions to explaining communication networks in Smart City implementation by considering patterns of relationships among actors as well as the roles of key actors in bridging communication between local government and the community.
Through this framework, Smart City can be understood not only in terms of technology and public services, but also in terms of how communication is established, information is exchanged, actors are interconnected, and community participation develops within a network.
THE CONTRIBUTION OF COMMUNICATION STUDIES TO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
This research demonstrates that Communication Studies has significant potential to contribute to addressing various development challenges amid digital transformation.
The study of communication networks can provide valuable perspectives for understanding relationships between government and the community, particularly when public programs require coordination, information exchange, and participation from multiple stakeholders.
Therefore, communication research not only contributes to the advancement of academic knowledge but can also provide useful perspectives for understanding communication practices in the implementation of technology-based programs within society.
CONGRATULATIONS, DR. SHILVY ANDINI SUNARTO!
The entire Faculty of Communication Sciences, Universitas Gunadarma community once again extends its warmest congratulations to Dr. Shilvy Andini Sunarto, S.I.Kom., M.I.Kom. on earning her Doctorate in Communication Studies with cum laude honors.
May this achievement mark another step toward producing impactful research, scholarly works, and innovations that enrich the development of Communication Studies while providing meaningful benefits to academia and society.
May this accomplishment also inspire all Fikomers to continue learning, conducting research, developing ideas, and making meaningful contributions through their respective fields of study.
Congratulations, Dr. Shilvy Andini Sunarto, S.I.Kom., M.I.Kom.!
Continue creating meaningful work, advancing knowledge, and inspiring others through communication.
