Surabaya, May 7, 2025 — The city of Surabaya hosted the implementation of the Communication and Digital Forum (Komdigi Forum) which is part of the series of the 7th National Conference (MUNAS) of APEKSI (Association of Indonesian City Governments). This event was held at Grand City Surabaya with the main theme “Government Agency Branding Strategy Through Social Media”.

This forum presented regional heads, government digital technology practitioners, and public communication figures to share innovations and best practices in the digitalization of public services and government agency communications. One of the main speakers was Ade Bhakti Ariawan, S.H., M.A.P, an inspiring ASN who emphasized the importance of innovation and publication of government work through social media.

Digital Transformation as the Backbone of Welfare

Digital transformation is no longer just a matter of technology and infrastructure, but has become the backbone of equal access, increased economic opportunities, and a lever for welfare, especially for underdeveloped areas.

This was emphasized by R. Wijaya Kusuma Wardhana, Expert Staff of the Minister of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) for Social, Economic, and Cultural Affairs. He said that digitalization is “a new hope for regions that have been left behind due to limited physical access or other obstacles”. According to him, all city residents must be involved so that no one is left behind in the flow of digital change.

The value of Indonesia’s digital economy this year is estimated to reach USD 130 billion or almost IDR 2,000 trillion. This growth, said Wijaya, must have a direct impact on solving social problems such as stunting and inequality in public services. He also emphasized the importance of the active role of local governments and local stakeholders in digital development.

A special message from Minister Komdigi was delivered in the forum: for the best figure to be placed as Head of the Communication and Information and Digital Service, because this position is a strategic decision in the direction of economic development and regional digital governance.

Benefits of the Komdigi Forum

The Komdigi Forum is not just a discussion forum, but also a strategic means for city governments to:

• Build Digital Identity of Agencies, strengthen the image of government agencies through credible and interactive digital channels.
• Share Best Practices, participating cities share experiences in digital transformation, such as SPBE, city dashboards, online public services, and data security.
• Enhance Collaboration Between Regions, unite digital strengths across regions to accelerate the integration of national services.
• Enhance ASN Capacity in the Digital Era, provide practical insights for ASN in facing the challenges of communication and innovation of public services in the technology era.

Why is this Forum Important for Smart City?

Digitization is the main foundation of Smart City—a city that is efficient, responsive, and oriented to the needs of citizens.

The Komdigi Forum 2025 is important because:

• Encourage two-way communication between the government and the community through social media.
• Align government information systems between regions in one national digital ecosystem.
• Increase transparency and accountability of public services through an open digital system.
  Preparing adaptive, collaborative, and technology-literate government human resources.
• Towards National Digital Integration
  On the same occasion, the Chairman of the APEKSI Board of Directors and Mayor of Surabaya, Eri Cahyadi, emphasized the importance of integrating government applications for all cities in Indonesia. According to him, digitalization must be utilized for APBD efficiency and budget transfer to sectors that directly affect the poor.

APEKSI and Komdigi are currently perfecting a national digital platform, which will support budget planning, strengthening MSMEs, and integrated regional economic management.

Series of Events: Technology Panel and Expo
The Komdigi Forum also features:

• Panel 1: Utilization of Artificial Intelligence in Regional Government
  Hosted by Dita Aisyah (Expert Staff to the Minister of SOEs, Co-Founder of BINAR).
• Panel 2: Private Collaboration in Digital Governance
  Hosted by Gensly from the Ministry of Home Affairs.