Geospatial Information Utilization in Indonesian Local Government

Government decisions and actions at national and local levels have, to varying degree, spatial footprints. At the local government level, this includes spatial planning, land management, taxation, and the issuance of building and site permits. Utilization of geospatial information in Indonesian local government was started more than 25 years ago. However, there was a high variation in the intensity, frequency, and types of geospatial information utilization. In a particular local government, there was also a variation of use among local government agencies. This paper aims to portray and analyses the current status of geospatial information utilization in Indonesian local government. Quantitatively, the information was obtained from questionnaires distributed to 24 districts and seven cities. The questionnaire covered areas of data availability, utilization, and management of geospatial information. For every district and city, around 20 to 30 questionnaires were sent, to gather information from all local governments agencies. Qualitatively, observations and in-depth interviews were conducted to collect information on the plans, progress, and challenges in geospatial information utilization. In general, the utilization of geospatial information is progressing steadily with some cities or districts made significant achievement while others still struggling in defining geospatial policies. Local governments have limited staffs with expertise in spatial data handling. Some recommendations to overcome the challenges and impediments are presented. Recent central government initiatives on national spatial data infrastructure and one map policy, are essential to speed up the process of creating better environment governance in local government.