Digitalization Governance in Industrial Estates as a Poverty Alleviation Strategy in Central Halmahera Regency Inka Nusamuda Pratama, Yudhi Lestanata, Ilham Zitri, Iwan Tanjung Sutarna, Ayatullah Hadi, Hidayatullah
Universitas Muhammadiyah Mataram
Abstract
The rapid growth of the nickel industry in Central Halmahera Regency over the past decade has driven a significant increase in Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP). However, this increase has not been accompanied by a substantial reduction in poverty, with the poverty rate remaining at around 12% in 2023. This condition indicates a gap between macroeconomic growth and the welfare of local communities, partly due to the low utilization of digital technology in supporting the village economy in industrial areas. This study analyzes digitalization governance in industrial areas as a poverty alleviation strategy, emphasizing technology integration in strengthening the local economy. The study was conducted using a qualitative approach implemented through in-depth interviews with the local government, MSMEs, and industry stakeholders, and an analysis of policy documents related to village digitalization. Qualitative data were managed and analyzed using NVivo 12 Plus. The results show that planned and integrated digitalization governance contributes positively to increasing community non-industrial income, particularly through developing e-commerce-based MSMEs, expanding access to digital public services, and utilizing online education platforms. However, obstacles were identified, including low digital literacy among the community, limited internet infrastructure in several buffer villages, and a lack of coordination between local governments and industry players in implementing the innovative village program. This study recommends establishing a digital governance model based on pentahelix collaboration, strengthening digital literacy capacity, and developing equitable technology infrastructure to support sustainable poverty alleviation in the Central Halmahera industrial area.
Keywords: Digital governance- industrial areas- poverty alleviation- smart villages
Topic: Legal Frameworks for Inclusive Digital Transformation
