PEMILIHAN KONTEN KOMIK DI INSTAGRAM SEBAGAI STRATEGI KOMUNIKASI VISUAL (Studi Pada Tim Humas dan Keprotokolan/ Subtim Konten dan Media Sosial Badan Pusat Statistik Provinsi Papua Barat)

The growth of social media has prompted the West Papua Province Statistics Indonesia (BPS) to utilize comic content on Instagram as a medium for conveying statistical information in a more engaging and accessible manner. This study aims to analyze how comics are employed as a visual communication strategy on the West Papua BPS Instagram account. A descriptive qualitative approach was adopted for this research. Data were gathered through interviews with three informants from the Public Relations/KMS (Statistical Information Services) sub-team at West Papua BPS, supplemented by documentation. Data analysis followed the Miles and Huberman model, with data validity ensured through source triangulation.

The findings indicate that comics serve as a visual communication strategy through the setting of goals to enhance statistical literacy, content planning tailored to Instagram's characteristics, message crafting using simple language and appealing illustrations, and the use of consistent visual identity. This strategy supports the agency's digital presence, organizational identity, and audience engagement. However, implementation remains suboptimal due to limited two-way interaction, inconsistent publication schedules, and an evaluation process that relies solely on Instagram Insights rather than a more comprehensive assessment. The study concludes that comics function not merely as a vehicle for statistical information but also as a visual communication strategy that enables West Papua BPS to convey information in a more communicative and accessible way, aligning with the characteristics of social media audiences.