Dini Maghfirra, Executive Director of Satu Data Indonesia, Bappenas, Indonesia

1. How do you use technology or policy to improve citizens’ lives? 

As the Executive Director of SDI at the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas, technology is relevant as we are in charge of developing the One Data Indonesia (SDI) initiative, which aims to create better, effective and integrated data governance across government sectors to improve the quality of public services and decision-making. 

The SDI Secretariat has developed the foundation of a data ecosystem to support national development programmes to produce accurate, up to date, integrated, accountable and shareable data. 

2. What was the most impactful project you worked on this year? 

Throughout 2024, cross-sectoral data integration showed significant improvement compared to the previous year. From a total of 84 ministries and agencies at the central level and 38 provinces and 514 districts/cities across Indonesia, SDI has successfully connected 70 ministries and agencies at the central level, 31 provinces and 262 districts/cities, and provided more than 350 thousand datasets on the SDI portal.

In addition, SDI has developed a data mapping visualisation to identify data owners in each ministry and agency so that data duplication can be identified and make it easier for each data owner to produce accurate data.  

SDI has also built a National Data Catalogue System (SKDN). This system enables data exchange involving many stakeholders with governance that complies with national standards.  

After the establishment of INA Digital, the SDI Secretariat will develop guidelines for the standardisation of data use across GovTech products to comply with national standards and data privacy provisions, ensuring that the digitisation process is safe and compliant.

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3. What was one unexpected learning from 2024?  

In 2024, I realised that government data management requires high trust from all data managers, especially in the context of strategic programs across ministries and agencies. This trust is not just an additional element, but the main foundation that enables solid collaboration to achieve common goals. 

Trust and collaboration are not only crucial components to ensure smooth coordination but also require a common vision among all parties. This common vision does not come out of nowhere; it needs to be built through a spirit of mutual cooperation and the intensity of regular joint discussions. 

This approach allows each government agency to understand their respective roles and work in harmony to produce reliable and optimally utilised data.

In addition to internal collaboration, SDI must also be able to expand its scope to the non-government sector. SDI has been entrusted to support the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in building open data governance. SDI plays a strategic role in supporting Indonesia's successful board to the OECD. 

4. What’s one tool or technique you’re excited to explore in 2025? 

In 2025, SDI will encourage the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in government data management. One of the leading technologies to be applied is generative AI, which will support the development of virtual assistants to present important information related to SDI policies, governance and data more efficiently.

In addition, generative AI will be utilised to automatically generate data visualisations, as well as detect anomalies in the available data. 

To ensure consistency and interoperability of data across agencies, SDI will adopt metadata management as standardised tools. Through integration with knowledge graphs, this technology will map the relationships between data across agencies, enabling more in-depth and contextualised information searches for all data users. 

5. Everybody’s talking about AI today – give us your hot take on AI and what it means for the public sector.   

AI relies heavily on inputs, and one of the most important inputs is accurate and up-to-date data. It is important to ensure that the data used meets certain standards. 

SDI plays a role in ensuring these standards by providing data that can be accessed and used by various government agencies. The availability of high-quality data is essential to ensure that the results of AI algorithms can be trusted and optimally utilised.

6. What are your priorities for 2025?  

By 2025, SDI aims to develop a strategic plan that includes two important components, namely the National Data Master Plan (long-term) and the One Data Indonesia Action Plan (medium-term). This aims to realise a robust and integrated data ecosystem, support national development needs, and prevent data gaps in the future.

Then, strengthen SDI-related policies and optimise the utilisation of digital service-based government master data to ensure that future data needs can be met properly through a more modern and integrated system.   

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7. What advice do you have for public sector innovators? 

Innovators can use government-generated data as a rich and relevant source of information to formulate more effective policies. We need more innovators in strategic sectors such as food, energy, health and business management as well as digitalpreneurs. We invite innovators to continue contributing to the progress of the nation.  

8. Who inspires you today? 

One of my biggest sources of inspiration in working and leading a team is my doctoral dissertation supervisor, Jared Leigh Cohon. He was the President of Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) from 1997-2013, where he led the university to become one of the world's leading educational and research institutions.

He developed multidisciplinary programmes, global expansion, and a commitment to environmental sustainability. Jerry's dedication and vision in engineering, education, and leadership have had a far-reaching impact, not only in academia, but also in public policy and community development. 

He was very disciplined and meticulous with his time management. One of the things that made the biggest impression on me was his consistent routine. Every morning, around six o'clock after working out, he would always take the time to check and reply to emails, including providing feedback on my thesis. 

Jerry passed away last year. After his passing, I realised how many people have lost a great man. Jerry was a humble leader who cared deeply about the people around him.  

In addition, the support of my husband, parents, children and family is key to my success. Their presence has given me irreplaceable strength and encouragement through my journey of learning and working.