Smart Sustainable Cities: Digital Communication and Information Literacy in Jakarta and Bandung

Nurkhalila Fajrini; Irla Yulia; Enggar Mulyajati; Pratiwi Anindita Adji

doi:10.29240/jdk.v11i2.17931

Authors

Nurkhalila Fajrini Universitas Terbuka, Indonesia
Irla Yulia Universitas Terbuka, Indonesia
Enggar Mulyajati Universitas Terbuka, Indonesia
Pratiwi Anindita Adji Universitas Terbuka, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29240/jdk.v11i2.17931

Keywords:

Digital Communication; Information Literacy; Jakarta; Bandung; Smart Sustainable Cities

Abstract

Purpose − The development of smart cities in Indonesia has accelerated in an effort to enhance urban sustainability through the integration of information and communication technology (ICT). This study adopts the smart sustainable city framework to examine digital communication transformation and information literacy challenges in Jakarta and Bandung. It aims to explore the implementation of digital communication strategies and identify barriers to information literacy in supporting sustainable urban development.

Method − This study employed a qualitative comparative case study approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, direct observations, and document analysis, and were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify patterns in digital communication practices and information literacy challenges.

Findings − The findings reveal that Jakarta optimizes digital technology for public service delivery through the JAKI application, while Bandung emphasizes a collaborative and community-based approach through the Bandung Sadayana platform. In addition to these differences in implementation strategies, both cities face similar challenges: a digital literacy gap, uneven public participation, and limitations relating to digital inclusion. The study concluded that the success of smart cities depends not only on the use of technology but also on strengthening information literacy, increasing inclusive citizen participation, and fostering collaboration between the government, the community, and other stakeholders in order to achieve sustainable urban development.

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