IMPLEMENTATION OF SIMPLE VILLAGE APPLICATION AS A REALIZATION OF SMART VILAGE IN IMPROVING THE EFFICIENCY AND QUALITY OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES IN NAGARI LUBUAK BATINGKOK, HARAU DISTRICT, 50 KOTA REGENCY

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the “SimpelDesa” application as a manifestation of the smart village concept in improving administrative services and to identify factors inhibiting the implementation of the SimpelDesa application in Nagari Lubuak Batingkok, Harau District. This study employed a qualitative approach, utilizing methods such as in-depth interviews, participatory observations, and content analysis focusing on the implementation of the SimpelDesa application. The research participants included community members and local government representatives. An inductive analytical method was applied to interpret the data and uncover emerging themes and patterns. The results show that the adoption process of the SimpelDesa application by the Nagari Lubuak Batingkok government follows the diffusion of innovation theory. The Nagari government became aware of the SimpelDesa application through interpersonal communication channels. The persuasion stage indicated that the Nagari government adopted the SimpelDesa application by conducting a needs analysis for Nagari Lubuak Batingkok. The decision-making stage involved signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia.The implementation stage included socializing the SimpelDesa application, followed by the utilization of its various features.With the presence of the “SimpelDesa” application, the people of Lubuak Batingkok have successfully overcome several challenges in building self-reliance, such as improving access to information, encouraging active participation, and enabling more inclusive decision-making. However, this study also identified several inhibiting factors in the application’s implementation in Nagari Lubuak Batingkok, including limited community access, a mindset that the application is not yet important, a lack of digital knowledge and skills, as well as challenges in ensuring sustainability and continued adoption of the application.