The study is important because Paser Regency has recorded a substantial improvement in its SPBE performance. According to data cited in the research, the SPBE index increased from 2.90 in 2023 to 3.27 in 2024, receiving a “Good” rating. However, the researchers found that a higher aggregate index does not necessarily mean that every government unit or community has experienced digital services in the same way.
Digital Transformation Is Moving Beyond Individual Applications
SPBE is Indonesia’s framework for integrating information and communication technologies into government administration and public services. The national framework was strengthened through Presidential Regulation No. 95 of 2018.
The transformation is intended to make government administration more effective, transparent, accountable, and responsive. However, digital government involves more than simply creating applications. It also requires integrated systems, coordinated institutions, capable human resources, reliable infrastructure, and public acceptance.
The Paser government has developed and implemented various digital systems, including SRIKANDI, SIPD, Siskeudes, OpenSID, SP4N-LAPOR!, e-Puskesmas, Satu Data Paser, and Paser Smart Service.
The researchers describe SPBE in Paser as a digital ecosystem rather than a single technology. Some applications are nationally mandated, while others are developed to address local government needs.
Researchers Used Interviews, Observation, and Documents
Rosana, Tahir, and Kasmawati used a qualitative descriptive case study to examine how SPBE spreads and is adopted in Paser Regency.
The researchers collected information through in-depth interviews, non-participant observation, and document analysis. Participants included officials at the regency, subdistrict, and village levels, as well as community leaders, rural residents, and traditional fishers in coastal areas.
The analysis used the framework developed by Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña, while Everett M. Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations theory provided the main analytical perspective.
The researchers examined five characteristics that can influence technology adoption: relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, and observability.
SPBE Adoption Has Developed in Different Phases
The research identifies a gradual development of digital government in Paser.
Between 2018 and 2021, digitalization was still at an introductory stage. Applications were only partially implemented and were not yet fully integrated. The research data recorded relatively low SPBE index values during this period.
From 2022 to 2024, implementation became stronger following the issuance of Paser Regent Regulation No. 20 of 2022, which regulates SPBE governance, management, institutional arrangements, monitoring, evaluation, and financing.
During this period, OpenSID expanded considerably and was reportedly used in 101 of 144 villages.
The following period represents a consolidation phase, accompanied by the improvement of the SPBE index to 3.27 in the 2024 evaluation.
Despite this progress, adoption has not occurred at the same pace everywhere.
Infrastructure Remains the Main Barrier
The researchers identify complexity as the dominant obstacle to SPBE diffusion in Paser Regency.
The challenge is not limited to whether government officials understand an application. It also involves internet connectivity, electricity availability, digital skills, and the large number of applications that officials must operate.
In remote inland, mountainous, and coastal areas, unstable internet connections and electricity supplies can prevent officials from using digital systems consistently. In some cases, operators have to travel to locations with better connectivity to complete digital administrative tasks.
The researchers therefore describe the problem as socio-technical complexity. Technology may be available, but environmental and organizational conditions determine whether it can actually be used effectively.
Digital Services Can Save Time and Reduce Travel
Despite these challenges, the research found clear benefits from SPBE adoption.
For government administration, SRIKANDI and electronic signatures can reduce the processing time for official correspondence. Procedures that previously required around two to five working days can, under supportive conditions, be completed in approximately 10–30 minutes.
At the village level, OpenSID supports population data management and public-service administration. Residents who previously needed to travel to Tanah Grogot for certain services can access some procedures through their local village government.
The study also found that applications such as Siskeudes can initially be perceived as an additional administrative burden but may become useful for record-keeping after users become familiar with the system.
Communication and Training Help Users Adapt
SPBE adoption in Paser is supported by both formal and informal communication.
Formal mechanisms include coordination meetings, socialization programs, and technical training. Informal communication is particularly visible through WhatsApp groups used by application operators.
These groups allow officials to report technical problems, share screenshots, exchange experiences, and receive assistance from other operators or technical teams.
The researchers also found that pilot programs can reduce uncertainty. For example, the Public Village Internet Program was initially tested at 26 locations across 12 villages before expansion.
Successful implementation in one village can also encourage other villages to adopt similar systems because users can observe the practical benefits.
Digital Progress Must Be Measured Beyond the Index
Rosana, Tahir, and Kasmawati from Universitas Negeri Makassar emphasize through their findings that a higher SPBE index should not automatically be interpreted as uniform digital adoption.
Their analysis shows a difference between formal adoption and functional adoption. A government institution may formally use a digital system because it is required by policy, while practical use can remain limited because of connectivity, electricity, skills, or system complexity.
The findings suggest that the next stage of SPBE development in Paser should focus on strengthening digital competencies, expanding equitable infrastructure, integrating applications, simplifying digital systems, and ensuring broader public access.
For policymakers, the research highlights the importance of measuring not only whether digital applications exist, but also whether citizens and public officials can use them consistently and benefit from them.
For communities, better digital infrastructure and simpler services could reduce travel, administrative costs, and barriers to accessing government services.
Author Profile
Ina Rosana, Heri Tahir, and Andi Kasmawati are affiliated with the Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Social Sciences and Law, Universitas Negeri Makassar. Their research examines public administration and digital government, with this study focusing specifically on SPBE implementation and innovation diffusion in local government.
The article identifies Ina Rosana as the corresponding author.
Source
Article: Diffusion of the Electronic-Based Government System in Paser Regency
Authors: Ina Rosana, Heri Tahir, Andi Kasmawati
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Applied Sciences (IJSAS)
Publication: Volume 4, No. 9, 2026, pp. 1129–1148
DOI: 10.59890/ijsas.v4i9.62
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Applied Sciences (IJSAS)
0 Komentar