PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Bandung City Regional Government is determined to accelerate the implementation of regional government transaction electronification (ETPD) and increase digital-based economic and financial integration, which is an important part of realizing efficiency, effectiveness, transparency, and better financial governance.

Head of Bandung City Bapenda Iskandar Zulkarnain explained that Bandung City has developed a number of applications such as Gampil, Amanah, Teman PBB, and E-Satria to make it easier for the public to pay taxes, levies and other services.

"In addition, digitalization is also able to reduce operational costs and reduce the potential for fraud," explained Iskandar at the High-Level Meeting entitled Expansion of Digitalization of the Bandung City Region in 2024 at the Aryaduta Hotel, Bandung City, Thursday (5/12/2024).

Meanwhile, Acting Mayor of Bandung, A. Koswara, assessed that digitalization provides real benefits for the community.

"Digitalization must be able to simplify the process and make it easier for the community. If previously there were 10 stages of the process, with digitalization it can ideally be cut to two stages," he said.

Koswara also highlighted the need for "by name by address" based data management, which is key to policy effectiveness.

"This data must be integrated so that all services can be targeted and efficient," he added.

Koswara proposed that there be interesting innovations, such as designing government applications with a more interactive concept.

"The application can be designed to resemble a game to attract people's interest. In addition to being functional, the appearance must also be made more attractive so that people are interested in using it," he suggested.

Currently, Bandung City is ranked in the top five nationally in the implementation of regional digitalization. However, Koswara emphasized that there is still much that needs to be improved, especially in increasing public adoption of government digital applications.

"The success of digitalization can be measured by how many people use our services. So, the orientation must be towards the user. The easier and more attractive it is, the more people will use the service," said Koswara.

Through this meeting, the Bandung City Government hopes to formulate strategic steps to expand digitalization in various public service sectors. Not only in payment transactions, but also other administrative processes.

Koswara stated, with synergy between the government, society, and related stakeholders, Bandung City is optimistic that it can become a more modern, efficient, and transparent city in digital-based governance. (Bandung City Communication and Information Service/Revo)