The effectiveness of digital transformation in the administrative governance of the Medan City Regional House of Representative

Abstrak

Digital transformation is a form of bureaucratic reform aimed at improving the effectiveness of public administration through information technology. This study examined the process, effectiveness, and challenges of digital administrative transformation in the Medan City Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD). A qualitative case study approach was used, with data collected through interviews, observation, and documentation. The findings showed that digital transformation was implemented through the SARANA application, followed by SIMANJA in 2020, which was later renamed SMARTWAN. The system provides features such as e-Invitations, e-Activities, e-Letters, e-Salary, Documentation, Legal Products, e-SPPD, e-Follow-up, and Attendance. Its implementation improved administrative effectiveness by accelerating work processes, simplifying document archiving, increasing transparency, and facilitating integrated data access. However, several challenges remained, including unstable internet connections and the need for approximately 2–3% of employees to adapt from manual to digital systems. Overall, digital administrative transformation in the Medan City DPRD was considered effective, although infrastructure improvements and continuous employee training were still required.