Indonesia is forging a path toward evidence-based policymaking and digital transformation with its ambitious “One Data Indonesia” (SDI) initiative. Championed by the Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas), this program aims to consolidate and standardize government data across the archipelago, creating a unified system to support national development. As the world’s fourth most populous nation grapples with the complexities of governance over thousands of islands, the SDI emerges as a critical tool to streamline decision-making and enhance public services.
A Foundation for Evidence-Based Policy
At the heart of the SDI initiative is the drive to ensure that policies are rooted in reliable, accessible data. Minister of National Development Planning Rachmat Pambudy has emphasized the program’s significance, stating that it must extend beyond mere policy formulation to effective implementation. During the 2025 SDI Steering Council Meeting, he underscored the need for the initiative to serve as a strategic instrument for national progress, ensuring that data directly informs development planning and government oversight.
The SDI Steering Committee, tasked with setting policy and overcoming implementation challenges, plays a pivotal role in this vision. With participation from 70 ministries and agencies, 31 provinces, and 273 districts and cities, the initiative has already made significant strides. The data.go.id portal, a central hub for government datasets, now hosts over 453,000 datasets as of 2025, a remarkable increase from previous years. Additionally, the number of Priority Data—key datasets critical for policymaking—has surged to 3,291, up from just 693 in 2022. 
Digital Transformation for the People
Indonesia’s digital transformation is not merely a bureaucratic exercise; it is a commitment to improving access to services for all citizens, from the western tip of Sabang to the eastern reaches of Merauke. Minister of Communication and Informatics Budi Arie Setiadi has stressed that digitalization must be inclusive, ensuring that every Indonesian can benefit from modern governance. He highlighted the SDI as a program whose impact should be felt nationwide, bridging disparities in data quality between the capital, Jakarta, and remote provinces.
The Ministry of Communication and Informatics is also focused on cultivating digital talent across the country to support this vision. By equipping regions with skilled professionals, the government aims to ensure that the benefits of digital services are not confined to urban centers but reach even the most isolated communities. This push for equity in access underscores the broader goal of SDI: to create a government that is consistently present and responsive to its people’s needs.
Strategic Plans and Challenges Ahead
The 2025 SDI Steering Council Meeting outlined five key work plans to advance the initiative. These include updating the Central-Level SDI Forum Working Group, bolstering budgetary support for ministries and agencies to produce Priority Data, and synchronizing implementation between central and regional authorities. Additionally, the government is prioritizing data integration through exchange regulations, supporting social protection digitalization, and reinforcing data security with the involvement of the National Cyber and Crypto Agency.
One of the notable breakthroughs within the SDI framework is the National Socio-Economic Single Data (DTSEN), which aims to revolutionize social protection through digitalization and cross-sector integration. Vivi Yulaswati, Bappenas’ Deputy for Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation, noted that the SDI Index has been incorporated as a key indicator in the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN). This integration reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing data availability and utilization across all levels of administration.
However, challenges remain. Disparities in data quality and infrastructure between regions pose significant hurdles. While Jakarta may have robust systems in place, other provinces lag behind, risking uneven implementation. Addressing these gaps will require not only financial investment but also sustained coordination between central and local governments—a task the SDI Steering Committee is poised to tackle.
Securing Sensitive Data and Budgetary Assurance
As Indonesia consolidates its data systems, security remains a top priority. Minister of State Apparatus and Bureaucratic Reform Abdullah Azwar Anas has confirmed that sensitive and strategic data will be housed in the National Data Center (PDN). This move aims to safeguard critical information while ensuring its accessibility for authorized use in policymaking. Anas also reassured stakeholders that there are no budgetary constraints hindering the SDI, with plans to finalize key components of the program by August 2025.
The emphasis on data security comes at a crucial time, as cyber threats continue to grow globally. By involving the National Cyber and Crypto Agency, the government signals its intent to protect not just the data itself but also public trust in digital governance. This dual focus on security and accessibility is essential for the long-term success of the SDI initiative.
Economic and Social Implications
Beyond its technical aspects, the SDI holds profound implications for Indonesia’s economic and social landscape. By enabling evidence-based policymaking, the initiative can help address longstanding issues such as poverty, inequality, and infrastructure deficits. For instance, accurate socio-economic data through DTSEN could improve the targeting of social protection programs, ensuring aid reaches those most in need. In a country where over 270 million people span diverse cultural and geographic contexts, such precision is invaluable.
Economically, the SDI supports Indonesia’s ambition to become a digital economy powerhouse in Southeast Asia. A unified data system can enhance transparency, attract investment, and streamline regulatory processes. For businesses, access to reliable government data could reduce uncertainties, fostering a more predictable environment for growth. Moreover, the push for digital talent development aligns with the need for a skilled workforce to drive innovation in sectors like technology and e-commerce.
Regional Context and Global Relevance
Indonesia’s SDI initiative is part of a broader regional trend toward digital governance in Southeast Asia. Neighbors like Singapore and Malaysia have long invested in data-driven policymaking, with platforms such as Singapore’s data.gov.sg serving as benchmarks. Yet, Indonesia’s scale—spanning over 17,000 islands—presents unique challenges and opportunities. Success in implementing SDI could position Indonesia as a leader in digital transformation among developing nations, offering a model for others with similar geographic and demographic complexities.
Globally, the initiative aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to innovation, infrastructure, and inclusive growth. By prioritizing data as a tool for development, Indonesia contributes to the international discourse on how digital tools can address systemic challenges. The government’s focus on social protection digitalization, for example, mirrors global efforts to use technology to reduce poverty and improve access to services.
The Road Ahead
As Indonesia advances its One Data initiative, the stakes are high. Effective implementation could transform governance, making it more transparent, efficient, and responsive to citizens’ needs. Yet, the path is fraught with obstacles, from regional disparities to cybersecurity risks. The government’s commitment to synchronizing efforts across all levels and investing in digital talent offers hope, but sustained effort will be required to translate policy into tangible outcomes.
For now, the SDI stands as a testament to Indonesia’s determination to harness technology for national progress. As reforms and digitalization efforts continue, the question remains: can this ambitious initiative bridge the divides within the archipelago and deliver on its promise of a data-driven future?
