Indonesia outlines bureaucracy simplification strategy at OECD forum
“Reducing organizational layers or expediting administrative procedures alone cannot simplify bureaucracy. The government needs to change the way the bureaucracy operates by placing greater emphasis on expertise, cross-agency collaboration, and delivering tangible benefits to the public,” said Erwan Agus Purwanto, a deputy at the ministry.
He outlined Indonesia’s approach at the OECD Global Forum on Building Trust and Reinforcing Democracy in Paris on Monday (Oct. 12), according to a statement received here on Thursday.
Speaking at a panel session titled “A Simplified Government Focused on Delivery,” Purwanto said bureaucracy simplification is one of Indonesia’s key priorities for improving governance and public services as the country advances its accession to the OECD.
He explained that the simplification strategy involves flattening hierarchical layers and converting certain structural positions into functional roles to strengthen civil service capacity, foster stronger collaboration, and support more effective decision-making.
“In addition, the government needs to evaluate business processes to eliminate unnecessary stages and integrate services so that people do not have to go through the same administrative procedures multiple times,” he added.
Purwanto also highlighted digital transformation, saying Indonesia recognizes the importance of ensuring that digitalization is geared toward simplifying public services through data and system integration, regulatory streamlining, and strengthening the competency, accountability, and integrity of civil servants.
In this regard, he noted the ministry’s ongoing initiative to develop a digital platform aimed at facilitating public access to social protection programs tailored to their needs.
“Through a whole-of-government approach, Indonesia seeks to strengthen coordination among institutions and break down bureaucratic silos. This effort forms part of the bureaucratic reform agenda aimed at creating more effective, accountable, and people-centered governance,” he said.
Moderated by Professor Pamela Herd of the University of Michigan, the panel discussion drew representatives from New Zealand, Italy, Germany, and Ireland.
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Translator: F.S. Rassat, Tegar Nurfitra