Head of BSKDN: Align Innovation Replication with Regional Needs
The Head of the National Policy Strategy Agency for Domestic Affairs (BSKDN) of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Yusharto Huntoyungo, has reminded local governments that the replication of regional innovation must be tailored to the specific needs and characteristics of each area.
Yusharto stated that many regional innovations are born through a replication process that involves adjustments to local requirements. Through this approach, regions do not always have to start from scratch when creating innovations. “Most innovations produced by regions are carried out through a replication process. However, replication does not mean mere copying, but rather adopting and developing successful innovations so that they suit the needs of each respective region,” Yusharto said in a statement received in Jakarta.
This was conveyed following the 2026 Regional Innovation Strengthening Coordination Meeting in Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan. The aspect of replication is vital as it allows proven best practices from one region to be implemented and developed in others, ensuring that innovation does not remain a purely local success but becomes a best practice that accelerates government performance across various regions.
In his presentation, Yushante noted that regional innovation is a crucial instrument for improving local government performance and addressing increasingly complex development challenges. Therefore, innovation should not be understood solely as the digitalisation of services, but as an effort towards renewal capable of creating solutions for various public issues. “The fact is, BSKDN data shows that of more than 36,000 recorded regional innovations, the majority are non-digital innovations. So, do not hesitate to start innovating, beginning with something simple that can solve the problems faced by the community,” said Yusharto.
He explained that, according to legislation, regional innovation must meet several criteria, including containing renewal, providing benefits to the region and the community, not causing undue burdens, falling within regional authority, and being replicable. He also emphasised that regional innovation must become a continuously evolving culture within the government environment.
Yusharto highlighted the importance of involving all development actors in the regional innovation ecosystem, from regional heads and local parliament members (DPRD) to regional apparatus, civil servants (ASN), and the community. He noted that fresh ideas from various parties, including young civil servants newly joined to the bureaucracy, can be valuable sources of renewal for improving public service quality.
Furthermore, Yusharto reminded that the government has provided legal space and protection for civil servants to innovate. Based on Article 389 of Law Number 23 of 2014 concerning Regional Government, civil servants cannot be criminally prosecuted if a regional innovation trial fails to achieve its set targets. This provision serves as government support to ensure officials are not afraid to create and make breakthroughs in improving governance and public services.
Through strengthening an innovation culture oriented towards benefits and ease of replication, BSKDN hopes that local governments can continue to increase competitiveness, accelerate the resolution of development issues, and support the realisation of effective, efficient, and adaptive governance towards ‘Indonesia Emas 2045’. “Once again, replicating innovation is very effective in supporting the growth of a region, as long as it adheres to the principle of adjusting to each region’s potential rather than imitating it exactly,” he concluded.