KBRN, Mataram: The province of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) is participating in the OGP Local Indonesia Camp, held at Aryaduta Hotel, Bandung, from November 4 to 8, 2024. This event, organized by Indonesia’s National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) as the National Secretariat of Open Government Indonesia (OGI), aims to strengthen the local government’s understanding of governance and the principles of transparency in administration.

The OGP Local Indonesia Camp is an initiative to reinforce government openness commitments through the Open Government Partnership (OGP), a global organization focused on transparency, collaboration, and public engagement in governance. Since 2020, NTB has been one of nine regions in Indonesia selected as an OGP Local member, joining 164 other OGP Local members worldwide.

During the event, Bogat Widyatmoko, SE, MA, Deputy for Politics, Law, Defense, and Security at Bappenas, encouraged collaboration among cities in the global community. He also highlighted OGI’s six strategic priorities: anti-corruption, protection of civic space and democracy, inclusive public services, access to justice, gender and disability equality, and managing natural resources and energy.

Dr. Yusharto Huntoyungo, M.Pd, Head of the Domestic Policy Strategy Agency at the Ministry of Home Affairs, emphasized innovation as a pillar of regional development. He stated that local innovation is not only a symbol of progress but also a strategic foundation to improve community welfare.

“The increasing data on local innovation reporting must align with tangible benefits for the community. Therefore, innovation should be prioritized to make regional development more effective and efficient,” Yusharto remarked.

In the OGP Local sharing session, Yasrul, S.Kom., M.Eng, Acting Head of NTB’s Information and Communication Agency (Diskominfotik), spoke and shared updates on the open government program in NTB. Yasrul outlined the program’s stages since 2021 and emphasized the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships in supporting its implementation.

“NTB has established partnerships with various groups, including the Community Solidarity for Transparency (SOMASI) NTB, Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Indonesia, the Indonesian Forum for Budget Transparency (FITRA) NTB, and Open Government Indonesia. This collaboration is aimed at enhancing the program’s effectiveness and reach,” he explained.

Through NTB’s involvement in the OGP, the principles of open government are expected to be strengthened, fostering a more participatory, transparent, and accountable administration. This program promotes collaboration between government and non-governmental entities, including civil society organizations, academics, and development partners, to create innovative solutions that positively impact communities.

Source: RRI