Eko Nugroho, Suhendra Atmaja
bstract. Digital transformation in the Indonesian oil and gas industry has encouraged the use of various digital media in operational management, including drilling equipment. However, communication patterns formed through digital media in managing the status and condition of such equipment have not been explored in depth from a communication science perspective. This study aims to analyze and build an initial substantive theory regarding digital media communication patterns in managing the status and condition of oil and gas drilling equipment using a Grounded Theory approach. The research method is qualitative with a Grounded Theory design that involves data collection through semi-structured in-depth interviews, observation of digital communication practices, and analysis of digital artifacts (such as informal media - such as the inspection team WhatsApp Group, formal media - official company Email, maintenance logs, and photos/videos of equipment conditions) in the drilling rig and yard/shipyard environment. Participants were selected purposively and snowball sampling, including Toolpusher, Driller, Mechanic, Electrician, HSE Officer, Rig Superintendent, and shore base support engineer. Data were analyzed through open coding, focused coding, and theoretical coding with constant comparison until theoretical saturation was achieved. The research results yield an initial substantive theoretical model that identifies the types of digital media used, the flow and form of equipment status information communication, the contextual factors influencing these patterns (such as safety culture, organizational hierarchy, operational time pressure, and digital competence), and their impact on sensemaking, decision-making, and risk management at the operational level. This research provides a theoretical contribution to the development of Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) studies, namely communication processes that occur through various digital media such as electronic mail (e-mail), instant messaging applications, online collaboration platforms, and computer-based information systems used to support information exchange and work coordination and organizational communication in high-reliability organizations. It also offers practical implications for drilling contractors and oil and gas operators in designing digital communication protocols that are more effective and responsive to operational safety needs