Jakarta. The government is banking on the so-called “One Data One Policy” which integrates thousands of the existing data centers for better decision-making.

Indonesia today hosts 27,000 apps across ministries and government bodies both at the national and sub-national levels. There are 2,700 government data centers and servers. Having all this information scattered across different centers only leads to inefficient public services. This prompted Indonesia to adopt the One Data One Policy initiative, which sees the country build a national data center facility in Cikarang, West Java. This facility is slated for completion in September 2024. The government also has plans to build similar facilities in Batam and the future capital Nusantara.

“A national data center is expected to become an infrastructure that bolsters the integration and interoperability of all those existing systems. This will eventually lead to better public services and decision-making,” Communications and Informatics Minister Budi Arie Setiadi said in a recent talk show with BTV.

“Consolidating data enables the government to quickly respond to various issues by implementing policies that are more effective and really hit the bullseye. … In Germany, we have seen how integrated government data could save 60 percent of the time needed for data processing, enabling faster public services,” Budi said.

The data center is expected to improve data security following cases of government websites being hacked. The Communications Ministry will also partner with the National Cyber and Encryption Agency (BSSN) will be in charge of securing the data center.

According to Budi, forming a single map --which sees the government integrating geographical stats of the incredibly vast Indonesia-- is also pivotal. 

“A single map is key for the development planning, especially in remote areas. So we can really plan the necessary infrastructure, education, and healthcare services. … A good development planning is one that is data-driven,” the minister said.

Heru Sutadi, the executive director of the Indonesia ICT Institute, said that the One Data One Policy initiative could enhance government efficiency. 

“E-government has become a necessity so [Indonesia] can deliver quick and affordable public services easily. I do admit there are challenges, including how we consolidate all the data to make sure all the data are accurate and follow the same reference and standards,” Heru told the same talk show.