TRANSFORMING PARLIAMENTARY PUBLIC RELATIONS IN THE DIGITAL ERA: PUBLIC COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES OF HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF MATARAM CITY IN BUILDING PUBLIC TRUST AND PARTICIPATION

Abstract

The transformation of digital technology has changed the relationship between parliamentary institutions and citizens, creating increasing demands for transparency, accessibility, responsiveness, and meaningful public participation. This study examines how the public relations function of the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) of Mataram City is transforming in the digital era and how its public communication strategies contribute to building public trust and participation. The study addresses the question of how DPRD Mataram City develops public communication strategies that move beyond one-way information dissemination toward dialogic and participatory communication. A qualitative case study was employed using semi-structured interviews, observations, and document analysis as primary data collection techniques. Data were obtained from DPRD leaders and members, Secretariat and public relations personnel, media practitioners, academics, civil society representatives, and citizens, complemented by institutional documents, digital platforms, social media content, and public-information materials. The findings indicate that parliamentary public relations is undergoing transformation through four interconnected dimensions: digital information dissemination, dialogic communication, institutional responsiveness, and public participation. Digital platforms have expanded access to parliamentary information, but their effectiveness depends on the institution’s capacity to facilitate two-way interaction and respond to citizens’ aspirations. The study further identifies an emerging communication cycle of information, dialogue, responsiveness, participation, and trust. It concludes that digital transformation should reposition parliamentary public relations from an institutional publicity function toward a strategic, responsive, and participatory communication system capable of strengthening public trust and supporting more inclusive and accountable local parliamentary governance.