Semarang — A research journal authored by a lecturer from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Diponegoro, titled Optimization of The Performance of RT/RW in Breaking the Chain of The Spread of COVID-19 in Tembalang District, Semarang City, reveals the crucial role of neighborhood and community units (RT/RW) in efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Tembalang District, one of the areas with the highest infection rates in Semarang. The study was conducted by Dra. Nina Widowati, M.Si., a lecturer from the Department of Public Administration at Universitas Diponegoro.

In the research, Dra. Nina Widowati, M.Si highlighted that despite efforts made by RT/RW, such as public education, online communication, reporting infected residents, and the “Jogo Tonggo” initiative, the infection rate in Tembalang remained high. This suggests that while the role of RT/RW is significant, it still requires further optimization to be truly effective in reducing the spread of the virus.

RT/RW in Tembalang have worked hard to support residents, especially those undergoing self-isolation. However, the study emphasizes that there is still room for improvement, particularly in monitoring residents’ mobility and promoting new behaviors in response to the pandemic. Given the significant potential of RT/RW as the frontline in communities, optimizing their role is expected to have a more substantial impact on pandemic management at the local level.

Source: Widowati, N., & Maesaroh, M. (2022, September). *Optimization of The Performance of RT/RW in Breaking the Chain of The Spread of COVID-19 in Tembalang District, Semarang City*. In Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Social and Political Enquiries, ICISPE 2021, 14-15 September 2021, Semarang, Indonesia.

Dra. Nina Widowati, M.Si who teaches Public Organizational Communication in the Undergraduate Program of Public Administration at Universitas Diponegoro, hopes that the findings of this research can serve as a reference for the government and other stakeholders to further empower RT/RW in the fight against COVID-19. This optimization is expected to strengthen collective efforts in curbing the spread of the virus and safeguarding public health.