Putri Wikie Novianti, Head of Data Analytics, GovTech Edu

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

I lead the Data Analytics team which consists of Data Analysts, Data Scientists, Analytics Engineers, Data Governance Specialists, and Data Managers.  

While working in the public sector, particularly in supporting the development of the technology ecosystem at the Ministry of Education, we realised that the government's advantage lies in its wealth of data. Unfortunately, this data has not been optimally utilised or managed.  

Therefore, our first step is to encourage a change in mindset by educating the government that data can be a very powerful tool for determining, implementing, monitoring and evaluating policies.  

Examples of the Data Analytics team's contribution are supporting priority programmes such as Merdeka Mengajar Platform (PMM) to improve teacher competence; and education report cards (Rapor Pendidikan) to help schools to plan and improve the quality of education units.  

In PMM, the Data Analytics Team has played a role in designing and identifying problems faced by teachers in the learning process. Our team analysed teacher-related data and mapped the general condition of teachers, which then became a reference for the qualitative research team to conduct field research.  

After the launch of PMM, the Data Analytics Team made a significant contribution in democratising user data on the platform and conducting in-depth analysis that was used by the Product Team and Program Team to update the platform to better support teachers in classroom learning activities and improve their skills.  

With the exponential growth of PMM usage, the Data Analytics Team helps users navigate content within the platform and supports content management.  

In addition, we also contribute to the regulatory process, from formulating and implementing new regulations to conducting monitoring and evaluation activities, together with the Ministry of Education.  

The Data Analytics team at Tribe HiEdu (Directorate of Higher Education, Ministry of Education), has contributed to the review of regulatory reforms related to lecturer workload and lecturer administration.  

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

In the past year, we have identified several AI-related case studies. AI can empower talents, including our technology team, and enable them to build more impactful technologies, drive added value and help the work of our users (teachers and education personnel). 

In addition, the implementation of AI has also been proven to significantly improve cost and time efficiency. This has also encouraged the development of policies and regulations within the Ministry of Education, related to the use of AI to address previous challenges and gaps. 

A data quality monitoring system has been implemented to support the technology ecosystem and priority programmes in the Ministry of Education. This system not only improves the quality of data management itself but also increases ownership of quality data across directorates in the Ministry, ultimately improving data literacy and understanding by stakeholders. 

To subscribe to the GovInsider bulletin click here.

3. What was one unexpected learning from 2024?  

The unexpected lesson I learnt in 2024 was the value of sticking to a well-researched vision, even when faced with uncertainty. The initiatives we undertook were based on a detailed analysis of the technology, an understanding of our organisation's needs, and a strategic forecast of platform growth and demand.

This experience taught me that, although it can be complex to explain or predict where a project will go, a solid vision and strong commitment can ultimately drive meaningful progress. I am extremely grateful to the team members for leading this pilot effort and trusting my direction, allowing us to make a sustainable impact together. 

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

Data democratisation. Recently, many initiatives have focused on data collection, which is important to support various ministry services. Through this democratisation of data, more data-driven policies and programmes can be generated.

Next is the democratisation of AI tools. With the development of AI technology and the many administrative tasks that staff in the ministry must do, I would like to see more use of AI that is integrated with the daily work of ministry staff so that they are more productive in using their time. 

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

In my opinion, there is a mindset related to AI that needs to be eliminated:  

1. AI is considered a dangerous tool. AI is just like any other technology tool. Its potential is huge if we understand how to use it effectively, but it can also be dangerous if misused.  
2. AI can solve all problems and will replace humans. It won't. This should spark us to use AI in the right way to improve our performance. AI will not replace humans, but those who do not adopt AI may be left behind. 

Our main goal in developing AI in the Ministry of Education's technology ecosystem is to simplify important repetitive tasks, so that we focus on more impactful and substantial work.  

AI development in the education technology ecosystem has been adopted by users (teachers) through PMM to increase productivity and creativity. AI in PMM can save time in finding teaching materials so that teachers can focus more on teaching.

To subscribe to the GovInsider bulletin click here. 

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

A shift in thinking and work culture, away from the perception that tech teams are feature factories. Collaborate to match the government's vision with the real needs on the ground. 

Conducting research and listening to the main problems faced by users or the public by going to the field. And using the feedback or data obtained as a foundation for planning and continuous improvement. 

Change the work process from linear or top-down to an iterative process, to continue to bring the best and most relevant innovations to users. Focus on solving short-term problems to drive long-term or sustainable results. 

Make data management initiatives and technology support a strong and sustainable foundation, so that the technology ecosystem built is relevant to current user needs, safe to use, and ready to answer future challenges.  

7. Who inspires you today?   

Entering the world of public service has opened opportunities for me to meet many extraordinary figures that I had never known before. One of the inspirational figures I was lucky to know was Mrs Itje Chodidjah, Education Expert and Executive Chair of the Indonesian National Commission for UNESCO.  

Although I did not work directly with her and rarely interacted with her directly, her dedication, passion, and sincerity in advancing education in Indonesia were very evident.