Jakarta, INTI – The rapid growth of Indonesia’s digital activities has generated massive amounts of data. Unfortunately, much of this data has yet to be fully optimized by local governments (Pemda). This gap could hinder the formulation of accurate and timely public policies. To address this challenge, Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital (Wamenkomdigi) Nezar Patria emphasized that the use of big data is a vital solution. His statement was delivered in Jakarta on Thursday, September 18, 2025. According to him, big data can serve as the foundation for accelerating local government digital transformation through governance that is more transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of citizens.
Big Data as the Foundation of Public Policy
Nezar explained that big data plays a strategic role in accelerating public services by providing real-time, accurate information. With connectivity now reaching 97 percent of inhabited areas and internet penetration covering around 80 percent of the population or about 222 million people Indonesia has an abundant source of digital data. Properly managed, this data will strengthen policy accountability and enhance the quality of public services.
The Importance of National Data Consolidation
The Deputy Minister also underlined the importance of consolidating data through the One Data Indonesia initiative. He stressed that data integration ensures the quality of information, making it more effective for use by local governments. Nezar warned that misinterpretation of data could lead to flawed policies. Therefore, he urged local governments to actively integrate their data into the national portal to guarantee accuracy and effectiveness in policymaking.
Cybersecurity Challenges
Despite the vast opportunities, Nezar cautioned about serious threats such as data breaches. He cited the recent cyberattack on the national data center, which originated from a weakly managed password in one regency. This incident, he said, highlights the importance of discipline and strict standards in data security to protect public information.
Optimization Strategies and Best Practices
To maximize the use of big data, Nezar proposed two main strategies: strengthening public–private partnerships and engaging communities through citizen-generated data and crowdsourcing. He pointed to Sumedang Regency as a best practice, where a digital platform based on big data has successfully reduced stunting rates. By monitoring pregnant women and nutrition intake, the region has achieved significant results in addressing stunting.
Driving Digital Innovation in the Regions
Nezar also encouraged local governments to establish data labs as experimental spaces. These units would allow governments to test and develop digital solutions rapidly before scaling them up. With this approach, digital innovations can be tailored to the specific needs of local communities.
Conclusion
Harnessing big data is the key to accelerating local government digital transformation. With proper management, national data integration, and strengthened cybersecurity, big data can not only speed up public service delivery but also support the creation of more accurate and people-centered policies.
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Author: Nd