A Comparison of Bureaucratic Reforms in Indonesia and Turkey in Enhancing Transparency, Efficiency, and Public Service

Abstract

Bureaucratic reform is a strategic agenda aimed at building a modern, transparent, efficient, and public-service-oriented system of governance. This study compares the models of bureaucratic reform in Indonesia and Turkey using a literature review of the latest research. The findings indicate that Indonesia implements a decentralized governance system with a bottom-up approach, in which many public service innovations originate at the local level and involve active community participation. Digitalization through the SPBE policy and local applications has proven to enhance transparency and efficiency; however, its implementation remains limited due to constraints in infrastructure, human resource capacity, and inter-regional fragmentation. In contrast, Turkey adheres to a centralized system of government with a top-down approach, which strengthens national coordination and policy efficiency. The digitization of the bureaucracy through the national e-Devlet portal has successfully integrated thousands of public services across ministries and agencies, supported by political commitment, regulatory simplification, and the professionalization of the civil service.