Santi Sopandi, Lead Tribe Government and Operation Services, Jabar Digital Service, Indonesia

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

Technology and policy are important tools to create a sustainable positive impact on society. I believe that technology should be designed with the aim of simplifying access to public services, speeding up administrative processes and increasing community involvement in decision-making. 

When it comes to government, technology is instrumental in facilitating service delivery, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of government administration, and assisting in determining the right policies based on available data.

I currently serve as Lead Tribe Government and Operation Services at Jabar Digital Service. My main task is to lead the team in an agile manner and oversee the development and implementation of various information systems that support government administration, including information systems for budget planning, financial management, monitoring, evaluation and correspondence (e-office) in West Java Province. 

The presence of this information system is expected to facilitate communication between regional apparatus and produce appropriate data to support existing policies in West Java Province.

The development of government administration services aims to improve efficiency, transparency and accountability in government. In addition, the development of this system is carried out to increase the efficiency of communication between agencies, cut down on administrative processes so that the state civil apparatus (ASN) can focus more on providing public services. 

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

The development of government administration services that I oversaw in the past year has been the most impactful project for improving ASN performance in West Java Province. 

Some of the projects developed this year include:  

1. West Java Government Information System (SIPD Jabar) which focuses on budget planning, financial management and reporting services that are integrated with each other. 

2. West Java E-Office Application (SIDEBAR) as an electronic correspondence and archiving process service. 

3. West Java Screening Application as a decision support system to sort out proposals for regional apparatus activities and proposals for financial assistance to project budget needs. 

4. Financial Aid Monitoring System as a support system for the process of disbursement and reporting of provincial financial aid to districts/cities, which previously all these processes were carried out manually. 

The presence of this information system helps administrative processes in government that were previously manual to digital, streamlines communication between regional apparatus and district / city agencies, can save work time that previously took several days to be shorter, saves paper costs and document delivery, and able to collect data that can be used for policy making.

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3. What was one unexpected learning from 2024?     

Communication skills with stakeholders greatly support the implementation of digital transformation. Diverse stakeholders make us have to dig deeper into the communication process, empathise with users and understand more deeply the needs that are suitable for users.

In addition, this year taught me to be more adaptable to changes or conditions that are not easily controlled. Focusing on the goal, staying calm and thinking positively, will be more helpful than overthinking the existing conditions.  

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

I would like to explore the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) for data analysis to support more informed decision-making. One of the things that will be explored further is budgeting policies that can help solve problems in the regions, such as stunting, education or poverty.   

Large government budgets should be targeted towards solving problems that occur within the community. 

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

AI has great potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the public sector, from predictive analysis for policy planning, automation of routine tasks, to personalised public services. 

However, I believe that the implementation of AI must be supported by strict data privacy policies, as well as ensuring that AI is free from bias in order to be used appropriately.  

6. What are your priorities for 2025? 

In 2025 I would like to improve the interoperability of information systems in the government sector. Currently, many applications have to input the same data. This happens not only at the provincial government level. 

Information technology or systems should improve government performance, not burden it.  

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

Innovation aims to provide direct benefits to society. Focus on solutions that are effective and make things easier for people. Also, don't be afraid to think outside the box and explore new ideas that can improve efficiency and transparency.

Make sure to involve a wide range of stakeholders and get constructive feedback from those directly affected by the changes. Collaboration and good communication are key to creating sustainable and impactful innovations.  

8. Who inspires you today? 

My parents. 

This feature was made possible in partnership with Jabar Digital Service (JDS)