The Center for Information Systems Studies of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Gadjah Mada (PKSI FEB UGM), held a National Seminar with the theme Optimizing Big Data in Regional Government Governance to Support Digital Transformation Acceleration on Thursday (18/09/2025) at the MM FEB UGM Auditorium. The Gadjah Mada Digital Transformation Governance Index (GM-DTGI) 2025 award recognizes the best regional governments at the district/city level for their digital transformation governance.
The Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Economy of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Nezar Patria, S.Fil., M.Sc., M.B.A., highlighted the importance of optimizing big data in regional government governance to accelerate digital transformation. According to him, digital transformation opens opportunities for breakthroughs in the public sector by offering accuracy and speed, thus accelerating public services.
“Using data from open sources increases transparency and accountability, thereby strengthening public trust,” he said on Thursday (18/9).
Nezar further explained that using big data in the public sector improves public services by connecting with advanced technology and transforming the way governments work. In addition, technology encourages the implementation of values of transparency and accountability.
Nevertheless, Nezar pointed out several challenges in utilizing big data in the public sector. These include data governance and regulatory issues, data readiness, and limited access. Therefore, building mutual trust in data management is crucial, enhancing compliance with technical and legal aspects and aligning goals. Equally important is improving data quality by involving communities in research projects that address real issues and collecting data through broad and open networks.
Previously, the Vice-Rector for Research, Business Development, and Cooperation, Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, S.Si.., M.Sc., in his remarks, stated that digital transformation is not an easy task, as it requires commitment, infrastructure readiness, and a supportive mindset.
“Many challenges remain, such as uneven infrastructure, unequal digital literacy, unintegrated systems, and resistance to change,” he said.
He also appreciated FEB UGM’s initiatives to support digital transformation for district/city governments by developing the GM-DTGI index.
“UGM highly appreciates the establishment of GM-DTGI. This index has a long-term vision to support Indonesia’s Digital Vision 2045,” he added.
The Dean of FEB UGM, Prof. Dr. Didi Achjari, S.E., M.Com., Akt. Emphasized that digital transformation has become a key pillar in building adaptive and responsive government governance. The presence of GM-DTGI, developed by the Center for Information Systems Studies of FEB UGM, is a concrete step by the university to support the national digital transformation agenda. This index should provide clearer insights into digital readiness and achievements, particularly among regional governments. In 2025, GM-DTGI comes with more up-to-date indicators and an enhanced methodology. Consequently, the results obtained are more accurate and comprehensive and can serve as a reference for policymaking and best practices across regions.
“We hope this ranking will not only serve as an evaluation tool but also as a catalyst for collaboration and inspiration in building more advanced digital governance,” he said.
The Lead Researcher of GM-DTGI, Prof. Syaiful Ali, M.S., Ph.D., Ak.., CA., explained that GM-DTGI is an innovative index launched in 2024 to assess digital transformation performance in district/city governments. The instrument developed to evaluate the implementation of Electronic-Based Government Systems (SPBE) and other digital innovations adopted by regional governments throughout Indonesia has seven main pillars. These pillars are: Governance and Leadership; Regulations and Policies; Public Administration Reform and Change Management; Data Governance; Digital Ecosystem; User-Centered Platform Design; and Cybersecurity and System Resilience. In 2025, the index evaluated 508 regional governments across Indonesia through a data-based assessment process verified directly with the respective governments.
The national seminar also featured two panel discussion sessions, bringing together representatives from central government, regional governments, and industry to share best practices, strategies for big data implementation, and innovations in technology-based public services.
Reporter: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
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