Dari Birokrasi ke Kolaborasi: Transformasi Kepemimpinan Partisipatif dalam Tata Kelola Layanan Digital di Dinas Kominfo Provinsi Papua Selatan

Abstract

This study aims to analyze participatory leadership practices at the Communication and Informatics, Statistics, and Cryptography Office of South Papua Province and its impact on organizational performance and the quality of digital services in local government. The study used a qualitative approach with a case study design, conducted within the office as the primary locus due to its strategic role in public information management and the implementation of the Electronic-Based Government System (SPBE). Twelve subjects were selected through purposive sampling, consisting of the head of the office, structural officials, functional officials, and technical staff directly involved in program planning and implementation. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews, limited participant observation, and documentation studies, then analyzed using thematic analysis through reduction, presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results indicate that participatory leadership has evolved toward a collaborative pattern through improved internal communication, the involvement of officials in planning forums, and space for technical staff to convey innovative ideas. However, participation is still partial and has not been institutionalized, so its effectiveness is influenced by individual leadership styles. Participatory leadership has been shown to strengthen work motivation, cross-sectoral coordination, and unit responsiveness, but is limited by competency gaps, bureaucratic culture, and suboptimal evaluation mechanisms. This research emphasizes the importance of strengthening internal policies, developing human resource capacity, and structured collaboration systems to support digital service transformation in newly autonomous regions.