Indonesia Pilots Bali Digital Government Rollout Ahead of October 2026 National Launch

Indonesia will pilot a nationwide digital government overhaul in Bali to accelerate the rollout of a single digital identity system, aiming for a full launch in October 2026, officials said Thursday.

Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, head of the Government Digital Transformation Acceleration Committee, said Bali was chosen after a successful pilot in Banyuwangi, East Java, to serve as a model for rapid nationwide expansion.

The program will cover all eight districts and one city in Bali. Local officials were instructed to begin outreach and data collection so residents can obtain a single digital identity.

“This will make Indonesia more transparent, more efficient, and more accountable,” Luhut said. He added he had reported the plan to President Prabowo Subianto, with the national rollout set for October 2026.

The initiative will consolidate over 27,000 government applications into one AI-based platform, allowing citizens to verify identities and access public services through a single app, similar to the COVID-19 PeduliLindungi system.

Officials said the Banyuwangi pilot is expected to conclude next week, clearing the way for Bali to begin full implementation before parallel rollouts in other provinces.

Luhut said the program targets at least 200 districts and cities by April 2026, reaching 150 million to 200 million Indonesians with a single digital identity by the national launch.

Bali Governor Wayan Koster said the provincial government would immediately coordinate district heads and mayors for data collection and technical preparations, with village administrations involved and operational readiness aimed for late March.

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Translator: Ni Putu Putri Muliantari, Martha Herlinawati Siman