By: Gavin Asadit)*
Digital transformation in the government sector has become a key driver in strengthening the implementation of Management Based on Good Governance (MBG) effectively and transparently. Alongside the acceleration of bureaucratic reform initiated by the government, digitalization has proven to cut bureaucratic chains, reduce costs, and increase accountability. Central and regional governments are now seriously implementing the Electronic-Based Government System (SPBE) comprehensively to achieve efficient and open public services.
The Ministry of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform (PANRB) stated that digitalization of public services is a strategic priority in creating clean and results-oriented governance. Collaboration with international institutions such as the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI) has been strengthened throughout 2025 to accelerate socio-economic data integration through platforms like DTSEN (National Integrated Socio-Economic Digitalization), as well as to expand the implementation of digital licensing across ministries. This commitment was reaffirmed during the bureaucratic transformation evaluation meeting held last March in Jakarta.
President Prabowo Subianto himself emphasized earlier this year that digitalization not only supports efficiency but serves as a primary tool to reduce budget leakage. In the Presidential Instruction on operational spending efficiency issued in February 2025, the President set a savings target of up to IDR 306.7 trillion, largely to be achieved by cutting conventional activities and transitioning to digital systems. The use of e-budgeting, e-procurement, and e-audit applications are the main means to achieve national budget savings while also strengthening public trust in the transparency of government fund management.
Regional governments are also showing seriousness in adopting a digital approach in MBG implementation. In Serang Regency, digitalization of public services has been extended to the village level through the launch of an online service portal, allowing the public to independently and quickly access administrative documents. Regent of Serang, Ratu Rachmatuzakiyah, stated that this step is part of the strategy towards modern, open, and participatory governance. A similar initiative took place in West Kalimantan, specifically in Pebihingan Village, Ketapang Regency, which in July 2025 held digital village training to improve the capacity of officials in managing digital service systems. This initiative is fully supported by the Ministry of Communication and Information as part of the national digital literacy program.
However, behind this optimism, challenges remain in implementing digital-based MBG, especially regarding human resource readiness. The latest study released by the National Institute of Public Administration (LAN) and several research institutions shows that low digital literacy among civil servants (ASN), particularly in remote areas, remains a serious obstacle. On the other hand, disparities in digital infrastructure quality between regions widen service delivery gaps, directly affecting unequal MBG implementation. Strengthening civil servant capacity and expanding digital infrastructure are the two main focuses of the government to ensure this transformation runs evenly.
In terms of digital security, the Ministry of Defense revealed that one of the major challenges in bureaucratic digitalization is the low awareness of cybersecurity among officials. An internal study published on July 14, 2025, highlighted that beyond organizational culture issues, weaknesses in information security management create vulnerabilities that can be exploited for cyberattacks. Therefore, regular audits, information security training, and strengthening data protection systems are integral to digital MBG implementation.
Meanwhile, from a policy perspective, the government has issued several supporting regulations, such as Presidential Regulation Number 95 of 2018 concerning SPBE, which serves as the legal framework for digitalizing public services. Efforts to harmonize systems are also being pursued through the development of integrated platforms that allow for secure and efficient data exchange between agencies. The government targets that by the end of 2025, all ministries and agencies will use integrated digital systems, including for budgeting, licensing, and performance reporting.
The practice of information transparency, strengthened by digitalization, has also begun to have a direct impact on increasing public participation. Several regions have launched digital dashboards that display real-time budget usage and project development progress. Communities can now monitor village fund use, procurement activities, and online reporting of deliberation results—a significant leap in creating accountable MBG.
To ensure the sustainability of digital MBG, the government is urged to accelerate national data integration, expand civil servant training in the regions, and ensure every digital system is equipped with high security standards. Additionally, periodic evaluations of the effectiveness of digital platforms are essential to prevent system stagnation. With robust digital monitoring and auditing systems, budget or policy deviations can be identified and addressed more quickly.
In an era of disruption and efficiency demands, effective and transparent MBG implementation can no longer rely solely on manual approaches. Digitalization has proven to be a crucial pillar in steering bureaucracy towards modern, efficient, and trustworthy governance. By continuously fostering synergy between policy, technology, and public participation, Indonesia is seen as capable of strengthening the foundations of good governance and building a government that truly serves its people.
*) The author is a Social and Community Issues Observer.
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