Community groups or community centers (CC) in Manokwari Regency, West Papua, have started to take the initiative to use the mass media to disseminate their ideas and activities. This socialization was carried out so that more and more citizens would be involved in the movement for information disclosure and participation in order to improve public services.

Last October 14, CC Manokwari District held an interactive radio dialogue at the local RRI. On this occasion Herman Rona was present as a speaker representing CC, CC member Syamsuddin, and Alice Bonggoibo, as well as a representative from AIPD-AusAID Paul Harry.

In the dialogue that was held from 10.00 to 11.00 WIT, the CC representative shared his experience of requesting information from various agencies in Manokwari, so that the public would know the performance of the relevant agencies in providing public services. One of the things that was conveyed was CC’s experience of asking the Health Office for information about the Puskesmas service schedule, which the community considered was still not satisfactory. The requested information will later be posted on the Puskesmas so that the public can see it, so that the Puskesmas staff comply with the schedule.

Furthermore, CC representatives stated, the activities carried out by the community did not intend to hinder the government’s performance. Activities carried out solely for the sake of information disclosure in public services so that there is no confusion in the community. It was also conveyed that the public’s right to information is guaranteed by the Public Information Disclosure Act. Community activities in asking for transparency are also intended to create a healthy dialogue between the community and the government, so that the implementation of public services in particular, as well as development policies in general, run according to people’s expectations.

Apart from radio, CC will also utilize audiovisual media to continue disseminating their ideas. In the near future they will produce a simple documentary video, so that what they do can inspire other residents.