WELLINGTON – Indonesia is currently at a crossroads and a crucial period of government digital transformation that will determine the nation’s digital life for decades to come.
The key to the success of this transformation lies in change management and culture in all aspects, including in foreign affairs.
This was conveyed by Minister of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform (PANRB) Abdullah Azwar Anas when addressing the state civil apparatus (ASN) at the Indonesian Embassy in Wellington, New Zealand, Tuesday (6/8).
He said that digitalisation is a key factor in realizing the ‘Service Highway’ in perfecting the infrastructure development carried out by the President.
“Digitalisation can be used as a driver to improve the quality of Indonesian services and diplomacy abroad, whether in the political, economic, social, cultural, or educational fields,” he said.
Successful digital transformation requires inter-agency collaboration and strong policies to provide integrated services.
Not only collaboration, this transformation must also be supported by an advanced digital mindset and the support of the best digital talent.
Anas revealed that the direction of Indonesia’s digital transformation has been recognised as being in the right direction by various global institutions/digital practitioners.
However, in guarding digital transformation, the Ministry of PANRB also continues to study best practices of government digitalisation in developed countries, one of which is New Zealand.
Furthermore, he said that bureaucratic reform is one of the main agendas of the current Indonesian government.
With effective reform, Indonesia can improve efficiency, transparency, and performance accountability in governance.
Through the meeting, Minister Anas hopes that there will be closer cooperation between the Ministry of PANRB and the Indonesian Embassy in Wellington in implementing effective bureaucratic reforms.
“We also hope that everyone working at the Indonesian Embassy in Wellington can provide constructive input and new perspectives based on your experiences and observations while serving in New Zealand,” added the former Banyuwangi Regent.
When addressing ASN at the Indonesian Embassy in Wellington, Minister Anas was accompanied by Indonesian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to New Zealand Fientje Maritje Suebu.
During the meeting, he discussed with Indonesian ASNs in New Zealand related to the challenges and opportunities of ASN abroad; competency improvement and career development; implementation of the latest policies from the Ministry of PANRB relevant to ASN abroad; facilities and support available to ASN abroad, including aspects of health and welfare.
Anas also expressed his appreciation for the dedication and hard work of civil apparatus who serve abroad.
“I appreciate the performance and commitment of the staff of the Indonesian Embassy in Wellington who have worked hard in maintaining good relations between countries, promoting culture, trade, education, and investment, thus strengthening the ties between Indonesia and New Zealand,” he concluded.
