Tuty Kusumawati, Head of the Regional Development Planning Board, Jakarta

By Marlis Herni Afridah

Women in GovTech Special Report 2017.

How do you use technology to improve citizen's lives?

For us, technology is a must. It is not only a tool for my organization and also my management to speed up our work, but technology is also an interface to communicate to our citizens.

We use it to maintain our open government, in our participatory planning processes, and to engage citizens.

What has been the most exciting thing that you worked in 2017?

It was exciting to deliver the planning processes in transition period for our political leaders. It was really exciting because the situation that is faced is not only technocratic, but also we faced policy issues.

What tool or technique particularly interested you for 2018?

We need more advanced technology. In 2018, I need an automatic reminder to people who use smartphones.

If you go to Kebayoran Baru, you will get automatic announcement that: "You are now entering kecamatan Kebayoran Baru." Then "at kecamatan Kebayoran Baru, there are some projects will be done during 2018," for example, "projects for road development”.

If you were to share one piece of advice that you learned in 2017 what would it be?

I'd like to share my experience on sustainable development within a big city like Jakarta. We need to figure out which projects could be maintained for the long term. For example an MRT.

What was the greatest challenge that you overcame in 2017 in your role?

Being professional is a big challenge. So, we keep on working in professionalism and neutrality. My team and I, thanks be to God, can do our best, using data to keep us on transparent.

What book did you read in 2017 that most interest or inspire you?

I am inspired by a book, a very very old book actually that is still valid. It is called "How to Win Friends and Influence People in the Digital Age" by Dale Carnegie.

Who inspired you in 2017 and why?

During my work in 2017 I was inspired by a young gentleman. He is a mute and deaf gentleman, but he has a very very strong personality and character. He always keeps in touch with me and propose some projects.

For example, once he told me, "Ibu," he said, "how could I pray well if I don't understand and also I can't listen to what the imam was saying?," he said, "so please provide us with a mute and deaf translator at the mosque". He is a very very strong man.