Digital Public Service Transformation as a Catalyst for Regional Development Through Transparency and Accountability
Siti Khumayah- Leni Rohida- Yanto Heryanto- Meita Istianda

1,2,3 Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati,
Cirebon, Indonesia

4 Faculty of Law, Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Terbuka, Indonesia

Abstract

Digital transformation in public services is increasingly important for accelerating regional development, improving service quality, and strengthening public trust. However, digitalization does not automatically produce better governance. Its impact can be weakened by fragmented systems, limited transparency, inadequate institutional capacity, weak accountability, unequal digital literacy, infrastructure gaps, data-security risks, and insufficient follow-up on public feedback. This study examines how digital public-service transformation contributes to regional development and identifies strategies to strengthen transparency and accountability. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, the study reviews regulations, government reports, scholarly articles, and relevant policy documents. The analysis focuses on accessibility, information disclosure, efficiency, citizen participation, and performance accountability. The findings show that digital services can speed up administrative processes, expand service coverage, reduce transaction costs, and improve information traceability. They also support data-driven decision-making and provide wider opportunities for citizens to submit complaints and feedback. Reliable digital records can strengthen monitoring, policy evaluation, stakeholder collaboration, and more targeted allocation of regional development resources. To maximize these benefits, local governments need interoperable systems, standardized services, stronger data protection, improved staff capacity, transparent performance evaluation, and alternative service channels for vulnerable groups. Therefore, digital transformation should not be viewed merely as the adoption of technology. It must be developed as an inclusive, integrated, transparent, and accountable governance reform that responds to citizens^ needs and supports equitable and sustainable regional development. A citizen centered approach is essential to prevent digital exclusion and ensure that technological innovation produces measurable public value across different communities and administrative contexts over time.

Keywords: digital transformation- public services- transparency- accountability- regional development

Topic: Building Adaptive and Digitally-Enabled Public Administrations for Responsive Governance (Adaptive Governance- Digital Public Administration- Responsive Public Service Delivery)