Ensuring that persons with disabilities can access public services and social protection often begins with one basic challenge: having accurate and reliable data. In Bontang, Indonesia, the city government tackled this issue by creating a geospatial-based disability database and service system that helps identify residents’ needs and connect them to support more effectively.
Located in East Kalimantan, Bontang has a population of over 180,000 and a strong industrial economy. However, like many cities, it faced a major challenge in obtaining accurate and up-to-date data on persons with disabilities. Existing records were incomplete, stored in static tables, and did not include precise location data. This made it difficult for the city to verify needs, plan services, and ensure that eligible residents could access social assistance and other forms of support.
To address this gap, Bontang introduced a digital, geospatial data collection system using smartphones and WebGIS technology. Trained community volunteers collected and verified name-and-address information, including location, disability type, living conditions, and service needs. The data was then uploaded in real time to a WebGIS dashboard, where it could be monitored and used by government agencies and other stakeholders.
The initiative has improved both transparency and service delivery. With more accurate data, the city can issue disability cards linked to residents’ records in the database and connect residents to social welfare programs more efficiently. The system also supports better planning and coordination across agencies.
The initiative was developed through collaboration between city departments, social welfare institutions, disability organisations, community groups, and private-sector partners. By 2023, it had directly benefited 940 persons with disabilities across Bontang.
Bontang’s experience shows how digital and geospatial tools can help cities build more inclusive governance systems and ensure that no one is left behind.
