Enhancing village public services and transparency through websites and social media

Abstract

Digital transformation at the village level requires not only technological infrastructure but also the capacity of village officials to effectively manage digital information and public services. The Village Government of Sidomulyo (Deket District, Lamongan Regency) faced three key challenges: the absence of an official village profile website, limited use of information technology for village administration, and inconsistent management of information via social media. This community service program aimed to strengthen the digital capacity of village officials, develop an official village profile website, and improve digital content management to support public services and information transparency. The program employed a participatory approach comprising outreach, training on digital literacy and governance, technology implementation, hands-on practice in website and social media management, mentoring, evaluation, and sustainability planning. Fifteen village officials participated in the program, and its effectiveness was evaluated using pre- and post-tests covering four competency indicators. Results showed that the participants' average achievement rose from 61.67% to 76.67%, reflecting a 15-percentage-point increase. Specifically, understanding of digital-based organizational governance improved from 60% to 73%; understanding of information technology for village administration rose from 53% to 73%; skills in website operation and maintenance increased from 66% to 73%; and digital content management skills improved from 66% to 86%. The program also produced a village profile website integrating the village profile, demographic data, village potential, administrative service information, activity publications, and a public grievance mechanism. The integration of capacity building, website implementation, and social media management provided a practical model for strengthening village digital governance. Overall, the program enhanced the digital competence of village officials and established a more structured mechanism for disseminating public information, thereby supporting more accessible public services and improved information transparency.