Digital Readiness of Local Government Human Resources : An Analysis of Civil Servants’ Competency in Digital Public Service Transformation

Authors

  • Pelicitia Aprianti Politeknik STIA LAN Bandung Author
  • Teni Listiani Politeknik STIA LAN Bandung Author
  • Fajar Eryanto Septiawan Universitas Langlangbuana Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25134/6vdwpt26

Keywords:

Digital readiness, civil servant competency, public sector human resource management, digital public service transformation, bureaucratic reform, local government

Abstract

Bureaucratic reform in Indonesia positions civil servant human resource management (HRM) as a strategic instrument for realizing professional, adaptive, and service-oriented governance. The enactment of Law Number 20 of 2023 on the State Civil Apparatus (ASN) represents a paradigmatic shift in civil service management from an administrative approach toward strategic human resource management grounded in merit systems, competency development, performance orientation, and digitalization. This article aims to analyze the policy design and implementation challenges of ASN Law No. 20/2023 in the context of digital bureaucratic reform, using a contextual study of the implementation of Bedas Digital Services (BDS) in Cicalengka District, Bandung Regency. This study employs a qualitative descriptive-analytical approach, combining public policy analysis with the Edwards III implementation model. The findings reveal a significant gap between national policy design and implementation practices at the frontline service level, particularly with respect to civil servant digital competency readiness, bureaucratic work culture, and service inclusivity for vulnerable groups such as the elderly. This article proposes a competency-based and inclusive civil servant HRM policy model as a conceptual and practical contribution to strengthening the implementation of digital bureaucratic reform at the local government level.

References

Adila, R., & Putri, A. R. (2024). Digital governance and human resource transformation in public sector organizations. Journal of Public Administration and Governance, 14(2), 112–128. https://doi.org/10.5296/jpag.v14i2.22451

Bao, Y., Zhang, X., & Chen, J. (2025). Agile bureaucracy and e-governance responsiveness: Evidence from local governments. Government Information Quarterly, 42(1), 101911. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.giq.2024.101911

Branderhorst, S., & Ruijer, E. (2024). Digital transformation and public value creation in local governments. Public Management Review, 26(3), 421–441. https://doi.org/10.1080/14719037.2023.2265147

Edwards, G. C. III. (1980). Implementing public policy. Congressional Quarterly Press. https://doi.org/10.2307/976617

Howlett, M., & Mukherjee, I. (2018). Routledge handbook of policy design. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315679519

Johannessen, J. A. (2025). Digital transformation, agility, and organizational change in the public sector. Administrative Sciences, 15(1), 18. https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15010018

Kanya, N., Handrian, F. A., & Johan, A. (2025). Employee Empowerment Strategy and Strengthening Competence in Improving Employee Performance. Indonesian Journal of Strategic Management, 8(2), 11-20. https://doi.org/10.25134/8gvfwe36

Khamiliyah, S., Nugroho, R., & Pratama, A. B. (2025). Digital literacy, data literacy, and digital trust in public sector transformation. International Journal of Public Sector Management, 38(2), 215–231. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPSM-09-2024-0227

Mazmanian, D. A., & Sabatier, P. A. (1983). Implementation and public policy. Scott, Foresman and Company. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511817842

Purwanto, E. A. (2024). Structural rigidity and digital transformation challenges in Indonesian bureaucracy. Jurnal Administrasi Publik, 21(1), 45–61. https://doi.org/10.21776/ub.jap.2024.021.01.4

Rahmayanti, N., & Salomo, R. V. (2023). Merit system implementation in Indonesian local governments. Policy & Governance Review, 7(2), 89–104. https://doi.org/10.30589/pgr.v7i2.785

Republik Indonesia. (2023). Undang-Undang Nomor 20 Tahun 2023 tentang Aparatur Sipil Negara. https://doi.org/10.31219/osf.io/9k2qy

Republik Indonesia. (2023). Peraturan Presiden Nomor 82 Tahun 2023 tentang Percepatan Transformasi Digital dan Keterpaduan Layanan Digital Nasional. https://doi.org/10.31219/osf.io/w4qsn

Setiawan, B. (2021). Bureaucratic reform and human resource capacity in Indonesia. Jurnal Kebijakan Publik, 12(3), 201–216. https://doi.org/10.22146/jkp.61245

Suhendra, A. (2022). Merit system reform and professionalism of civil servants. Jurnal Ilmu Administrasi Negara, 10(2), 134–149. https://doi.org/10.33005/jian.v10i2.217

Susanto, T. D., & Purnamasari, D. (2023). SPBE implementation and digital public service performance. Government Information Quarterly, 40(4), 101809. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.giq.2023.101809

Wardiyanto, B., Lestari, E., & Ramadhan, F. (2025). Competency mismatch and digital service performance in local governments. Public Policy and Administration, 40(1), 77–95. https://doi.org/10.1177/09520767241234567

Zolak Poljašević, B., Tomašević, I., & Marić, S. (2025). Human resource management reform and resistance to change in the public sector. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 36(4), 612–631. https://doi.org/10.1080/09585192.2024.2298745

Downloads

Published

2026-09-16