The Role of Media in Hexa-Helix Collaboration for the Development of UNESCO Global Geopark Kebumen, Indonesia

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the role of media in Hexa-Helix collaboration in the development of UNESCO Global Geopark Kebumen. This research employs a qualitative approach with a descriptive method, using in-depth interviews, observation, and document analysis. Informants were selected purposively from various actors within the Hexa-Helix model, including government, academia, industry, community, media, and society. The findings reveal that the media plays a strategic role as a knowledge broker in bridging complex geoscientific knowledge with public understanding through processes of translation and knowledge co-production. Furthermore, the media contributes to framing geopark issues, with a dominant promotional narrative emphasizing tourism potential and local identity, although this may limit critical discourse. The media also strengthens communication networks among stakeholders, despite challenges related to inclusivity. In terms of legitimacy, the media helps build public trust in geopark development; however, such legitimacy tends to remain symbolic without substantial public participation. This study proposes the concept of a communicative ecosystem, positioning communication as a central element in Hexa-Helix collaboration. Theoretically, this research contributes to environmental communication and collaborative governance studies, while practically offering recommendations for more participatory and sustainable communication strategies in geopark management.