The Effect of Risk Communication Management By Brin on Public Understanding and Trust in the Cesium-137 Contamination Issue in Cikande: A Mixed-Method Study

Abstract

Radiological contamination represents an invisible and technically complex hazard that may heighten public concern, particularly when institutional communication is delayed or unclear. This study examined the association between risk communication management by Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional, BRIN) and public understanding and trust regarding the cesium-137 (Cs-137) contamination incident in Cikande, Indonesia. It also explored how residents interpreted information about Cs-137 and the factors influencing their trust in BRIN. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was employed. Questionnaire data collected from 40 residents of Kampung Barengkok were analyzed using correlation and simple linear regression analyses, while interviews with a local resident and BRIN representatives were conducted to contextualize the quantitative findings. Risk communication management was strongly and positively correlated with public understanding (r = 0.839; R² = 0.704) and trust (r = 0.861; R² = 0.742), while understanding and trust were also strongly correlated (r = 0.830). The qualitative findings suggested that direct community engagement, accessible language, demonstrations of radiation measurements, and empathetic communication helped address misconceptions and concerns associated with circulating rumors. However, participants perceived that official information was disseminated later than unofficial reports. These findings highlighted the importance of integrating timely, transparent, and accessible risk communication into radiological incident management to strengthen public understanding and institutional trust.