Policy Analysis of Free Public WiFi Facilities as an Effort to Advance Banda Aceh’s Development into a Smart City

Hanunawati Hanunawati; Siti Nur Zalikha; Taufik Taufik

doi:10.63924/joas.v4i1.320

Authors

Hanunawati Hanunawati Ar-Raniry State Islamic University
Siti Nur Zalikha Ar-Raniry State Islamic University
Taufik Taufik Ar-Raniry State Islamic University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63924/joas.v4i1.320

Keywords:

Policy Implementation, Free WiFi, Smart City, Merilee S. Grindle, Banda Aceh City

Abstract

Advancements in information technology have prompted local governments to enhance digital-based public services through the implementation of the Smart Cityconcept. One initiative undertaken by the Banda Aceh City Government is the provision of free WiFi facilities in several public parks to ensure equitable internet access and improve public digital literacy. However, implementation faces various challenges, such as limited free WiFi network capacity, equipment malfunctions, low public digital literacy, and a lack of public concern regarding the preservation of public facilities. This study aims to analyze the implementation of the free WiFi provision policy in Banda Aceh’s public parks in support of Smart City development. A qualitative research method with a descriptive approach was employed. Data were gathered through interviews, observation, and documentation involving informants from the Banda Aceh City Communication, Informatics, and Statistics Agency (Diskominfotik), technical staff, park security personnel, and members of the public including students who use the free WiFi. Data analysis was conducted using the Miles and Huberman interactive model, comprising data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The results indicate that the policy implementation has proceeded reasonably well based on the dimensions of "Content of Policy" and "Context of Implementation" as defined by Merilee S. Grindle. The program has yielded benefits by increasing internet access and supporting educational activities, public services, and the community's digital economic activities. Nevertheless, implementation still faces obstacles such as limited network infrastructure, technical disruptions, and suboptimal digital literacy and public participation in maintaining the free WiFi facilities. Therefore, improvements in network capacity, infrastructure maintenance, service coverage expansion, and strengthened digital literacy education are required to ensure the success of Smart Citydevelopment in Banda Aceh.

References

Aceh, Infrastruktur Banda. (2025). Menjajal Wi, Fi Gratis, Taman Bustanussalatin, and Menuju Smart City. INFRASTRUKTUR BANDA ACEH | Menjajal Wi - Fi Gratis Di Taman Bustanussalatin , Menuju Smart City.

Ahmad Nurdin and Ridwan Yusuf. (2022). Sistem Informasi Kepuasan Layanan Hotspot Wifi Publik Di Kota Metro Berbasis Web” Journal Computer Science and Information Systems : J-Cosys 2, no. 1: 32–35, https://doi.org/10.53514/jc.v2i1.291

Alawiah, Enok Tuti, Mochamad Bayu, and Ramadhan Mubaraq. (2021). Perancangan Program Pengajuan Pemasangan Wifi Publik Kota Depok Berbasis Web” 4, no. 2: 79–91.

Aldhi, I. F., Sukoco, B. M., Chen, J. V., Suhariadi, F., & Supriharyanti, E. (2025). Determinant Factors of Government Change Capability Towards Smart Cities: A Dynamic Capability Perspective. Journal of Cleaner Production.

Andi Sofie Febrina Salshabila and Annisa Mu’awanah Sukmawati. (2021). Kelayakan Ruang Terbuka Hijau Publik Berdasarkan Karakteristik Fisik Ruang (Studi Di Taman Kota Gajahwong, Kota Yogyakarta) Ruang 7, no. 2: 74–86, https://doi.org/https://ejournal2.undip.ac.id/index.php/ruang/article/view/11490/pdf

Arief, A., Sensuse, D. I., & Mursanto, P. (2021). “Smart City's Trends, Architectures, Components, and Challenges: A Systematic Review and Building an Initial Model for Indonesia”. Engineering and Applied Science Research.

Ariyanti, A. D., Simanjuntak, J. H., Jafar, M. I., & Nugroho, R. (2024). Analisis Implementasi Kebijakan Mal Pelayanan Publik di Indonesia. Jurnal Informatika Ekonomi Bisnis, 6(4). https://doi.org/10.37034/infeb.v6i4.1048

Ayu Puspita, Athaya Syahda, and Agustuti Handayani. (2024) Implementasi Program Wi-Fi Gratis Untuk Ruang Terbuka Publik Di Kota Bandar Lampung. Triwikrama: Jurnal Multidisiplin Ilmu Sosial 3, no. 6: 1–10.

Beranda Pemko and Banda Aceh, “Warga Kota Banda Aceh Kini Bisa Akses Wifi Gratis Di Taman Bustanussalatin Dan Ruang Publik Lainnya,” 2025.

Control Dept. of Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Anambra State University. (2009). Uli.System, “Teknologi Jaringan Broadband Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi): Tinjauan Umum Dengan Jaringan Nirkabel Broadband Lainnya, https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.4314/njt.281.131

Dept. of Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Anambra State University, (2009). Uli.System, Control. “Teknologi Jaringan Broadband Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi): Tinjauan Umum dengan Jaringan Nirkabel Broadband Lainnya. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.4314/njt.281.131

Diskominfotik Kota Banda Aceh. (2024). “Nilai Evaluasi Meningkat, Banda Aceh Berkomitmen Implementasikan Smart City pada Semua Aspek”. https://diskominfo.bandaacehkota.go.id/2024/12/24/nilai-evaluasi-meningkat-banda-aceh-berkomitmen-implementasikan-smart-city-pada-semua-aspek/

E D Saidah and K M B Hairunnisa, (2023).Implementasi Program ‘Wifi Smart’ Dalam Pemanfaatan Teknologi Digital Pelajar Di Kelurahan Lok Tuan Kota Bontang” 11, no. 3:108–17, https://ejournal.ilkom.fisip-unmul.ac.id/site/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Ejournal Implementasi Program Wifi Smart (ENDANG DWI SAIDAH 1602055032) (06-21-23-02-54-26).pdf

Enok Tuti Alawiah, Mochamad Bayu, and Ramadhan Mubaraq, “Perancangan Program Pengajuan Pemasangan Wifi Publik Kota Depok Berbasis Web” 4, no. 2 (2021): 79–91.

Farid Subkhan et al., (2017). Buku Panduan Penyusunan Masterplan Smart CityIndonesia Dari Kementerian Komunikasi Dan Informatika Republik Indonesia 2017, 1–87.

Fazil, Muhammad, Asrul Fahmi, and Aflia Riski. (2022). Digital Literacy in Building a Smart Cityat Banda Aceh. International Journal of Engineering, Science and Information Technology 2, no. 4: 55–60. https://doi.org/10.52088/ijesty.v2i4.324

Fuady, M. A. K., Fuady, M., & Dewi, C. (2021). Sinergi Implementasi Nilai Kearifan Lokal dalam Konsep Kota Banda Aceh sebagai Islamic Smart City. Jurnal Pembangunan Wilayah dan Kota, 17(3), 327–333. https://doi.org/10.14710/pwk.v17i3.36526

Genda, E. A., Hakim, A., Noor, I., & Setyowati, E. (2024). Beyond the Camera: Implementing Electronic Traffic Law Enforcement (E-TLE) in South Sumatra: A Grindle Analysis of Context and Content. International Journal of Environmental Sciences. https://doi.org/10.64252/bwrjfa62

Infrastruktur Banda Aceh et al., (2025). “INFRASTRUKTUR BANDA ACEH | Menjajal Wi - Fi Gratis Di Taman Bustanussalatin , Menuju Smart City”.

Isabella, & Agustian, E. (2023). Implementing Digital Literacy Policies and the Challenges of Towards Smart Cityin Palembang City. Journal of Governance and Local Politics, 5(2). https://doi.org/10.47650/jglp.v5i2.936

Jurnal Ilmiah Multidisiplin Indonesia. (2022). “Konsep Smart Citydalam Pembangunan Berkelanjutan,”, https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.53866/jimi.v2i3.96

Kamienski, C., Ratusznei, J., Trindade, A., & Cavalcanti, D. (2020). Profiling of a Large-Scale Municipal Wireless Network. Wireless Networks, 26(7), 5223–5253. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11276-020-02390-4

Kurnianingsih, F., Mahadiansar, M., & Setiawan, R. (2020). Implementation Processes of Social Protection Policy in Indonesia: Study of Prakerja Card Program. Journal of Governance and Public Policy, 7(3), 247–259. https://doi.org/10.18196/jgpp.731337

Kusumastuti, R. D., & Rouli, J. (2021). Smart City Implementation and Citizen Engagement in Indonesia. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 940(1), 012076. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/940/1/012076

Mahayani, N. M. H. (2024). Evaluasi Implementasi Smart City di Indonesia: Tantangan Teknologi dan Keberlanjutan. Governance: Jurnal Ilmiah Kajian Politik Lokal dan Pembangunan, 10(4)

Mahayani, Ni Made Hintya. (2024). Evaluasi Implementasi Smart CityDi Indonesia: Tantangan Teknologi Dan Keberlanjutan.” GOVERNANCE: Jurnal Ilmiah Kajian Politik Lokal Dan Pembangunan 10, no. 4: 106–17. https://doi.org/10.56015/gjikplp.v10i4.209

Makmun, S., Suharsono, A., Rohim, & Muttaqin, M. Z. (2025). “Transforming Public Services Towards Smart Cityin the Perspective of E-Government in Indonesia”. E-SOSPOL, 12(1), 54–65. https://doi.org/10.19184/e-sospol.v12i1.53716

Mozin, S. Y., Abdullah, S., & Sawali, N. (2025). “Utilization of Smart Technology for Public Services: E-Government and Smart CityBased on ICT, Big Data and AI”. Journal of Publicness Studies, 2(2), 117–130

Mubarok, S., Zauhar, S., Setyowati, E., & Suryadi. (2020). Policy Implementation Analysis: Exploration of George Edward III, Merilee S. Grindle, and Mazmanian and Sabatier Theories in the Policy Analysis Triangle Framework. Journal of Public Administration Studies, 5(1), 33–38

Muhammad Fazil, Asrul Fahmi, and Aflia Riski(2022). “Digital Literacy in Building a Smart Cityat Banda Aceh” International Journal of Engineering, Science and Information Technology 2, no. 4: 55–60, https://doi.org/10.52088/ijesty.v2i4.324

Muttaqin, M. Z., Reba, Y. A., & Rahman, K. M. M. (2024). Implementation of Village-Owned Enterprises within the Grindle Framework. Indonesian Journal of Legal Community Engagement, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.15294/jphi.v8i1.28946

Nasir, & Yuslinaini. (2024). Membangun Smart City di Indonesia: Tantangan dan Peluang (Studi Kasus Kota Banda Aceh). Jurnal Manajemen dan Teknologi, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.63447/jmt.v1i1.774

Ni Made Hintya Mahayani. (2024). Evaluasi Implementasi Smart CityDi Indonesia: Tantangan Teknologi Dan Keberlanjutan,” Governance: Jurnal Ilmiah Kajian Politik Lokal Dan Pembangunan 10, no. 4: 106–17, https://doi.org/10.56015/gjikplp.v10i4.209

Nugraha, B., Andriwiguna, A., & Genedin, T. (2025). The Extent of the Maturity of the Implementation of E-Government at the Local Level in Indonesia: A Literature Review Based on SPBE Evaluation. Dinamika Governance: Jurnal Ilmu Administrasi Negara.

Nurdin, Ahmad, and Ridwan Yusuf. (2022). Sistem Informasi Kepuasan Layanan Hotspot Wifi Publik Di Kota Metro Berbasis Web.” Journal Computer Science and Information Systems : J-Cosys 2, no. 1. 32–35. https://doi.org/10.53514/jc.v2i1.291

Pemerintah Kota Banda Aceh. (2019 ). “BUKU 2. Master Plan Smart City- Kota Banda Aceh Tahun 2019-2029,”.

Pemerintah Pusat. (2018). Peraturan Presiden Nomor 95 Tahun 2018 Tentang Sistem Pemerintahan Berbasis Elektronik,” Menteri Hukum Dan Hak Asasi Manusia Republik Indonesia, , 110.

Pemko, Beranda, and Banda Aceh. “Warga Kota Banda Aceh Kini Bisa Akses Wifi Gratis Di Taman Bustanussalatin Dan Ruang Publik Lainnya,” 2025.

Prihatin, P. S., & Wicaksono, A. (2021). Grindle Policy Implementation Theory in Analysis of Forestry Conflict in Pelalawan District, Riau Province. Jurnal Kajian Pemerintah: Journal of Government, Social and Politics, 7(2). https://doi.org/10.25299/jkp.2021.vol7(2).9493

Princeton Legacy Library, (1980). Teori Implementasi Merilee S.Grindle “Politics and Policy Implementation in the Third World”.

Princeton Legacy Library. (1980). Teori Implementasi Merilee S.Grindle “Politics and Policy Implementation in the Third World,”.

Puspita, Ayu, Athaya Syahda, and Agustuti Handayani. (2024). “Implementasi Program Wi-Fi Gratis Untuk Ruang Terbuka Publik Di Kota Bandar Lampung.” Triwikrama: Jurnal Multidisiplin Ilmu Sosial 3, no. 6: 1–10.

Putra, F., Wike, W., Nurani, F., Ulum, M. C., Salsabilla, S. A., & Ferdhianzah, H. J. (2024). The Determinants for Policy Implementation: A Study of Public Service Mall Program in Indonesia. Jurnal Borneo Administrator, 20(2). https://doi.org/10.24258/jba.v20i2.1408

Ridwan, M., Sanjaya, Z. T., Pramitasari, T. A., & Setyono, P. (2025). A Review of the Surakarta Smart CityConcept: Optimizing Transformation and Digital Services Based on Big Data and Real-Time Technology. Jurnal Bina Praja.

Ruliyanta Ruliyanta, Wismanto Setyadi, and Endang Retno Nugroho. (2023).“Pelayanan Wi-Fi Gratis Untuk Mendukung Pembelajaran Online Saat Pandemi COVID-19 Di Kecamatan Jonggol, Kabupaten Bogor” JPKMI (Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat Indonesia) 4, no. 1: 25–37, https://doi.org/10.36596/jpkmi.v4i1.574

Said, L. O. A., Rijal, M., & Sarinah. (2025). Implementasi Kebijakan Digitalisasi Pelayanan Publik di Indonesia: Kajian Literatur Tahun 2020–2025. Musamus Journal of Public Administration. https://doi.org/10.35724/mjpa.v8i2.7824

Saidah, E D, and K M B Hairunnisa. (2023) “Implementasi Program ‘Wifi Smart’ Dalam Pemanfaatan Teknologi Digital Pelajar Di Kelurahan Lok Tuan Kota Bontang” 11, no. 3: 108–17. https://ejournal.ilkom.fisip-unmul.ac.id/site/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Ejournal Implementasi Program Wifi Smart (ENDANG DWI SAIDAH 1602055032) (06-21-23-02-54-26).pdf

Salshabila, Andi Sofie Febrina, and Annisa Mu’awanah Sukmawati. (2021) “Kelayakan Ruang Terbuka Hijau Publik Berdasarkan Karakteristik Fisik Ruang (Studi Di Taman Kota Gajahwong, Kota Yogyakarta).” Ruang 7, no. 2: 74–86. https://doi.org/https://ejournal2.undip.ac.id/index.php/ruang/article/view/11490/pdf

Subkhan, Farid, Teddy Sukardi, Firmansyah Lubis, Hari Kusdaryanto, Fitrah R. Kautsar, Hafni Septiana Nur Endah, Dwi Elfrida, Muh. Rizani, and Rifan Bachtiar. (2017).“Buku Panduan Penyusunan Masterplan Smart City Indonesia Dari Kementerian Komunikasi Dan Informatika Republik Indonesia, 1–87.

Tan, S. Y., & Taeihagh, A. (2020). “Smart City Governance in Developing Countries: A Systematic Literature Review”. Sustainability, 12(3), 899. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12030899

Tan, S. Y., & Taeihagh, A. (2020). Smart CityGovernance in Developing Countries: A Systematic Literature Review. Sustainability, 12(3), 899

Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk Wilayah Aceh. (2025). “Pemulihan Jaringan Internet Di Aceh Terus Dikebut”, https://doi.org/https://infopublik.id/kategori/bencana/951579/pemulihan-jaringan-internet-di-aceh-terus-dikebut

Wahyuni, H., Purwaningsih, T., & Herlina, N. (2021). Implementation of the Smart CityProgram to Improve Public Services in Semarang City. Natapraja: Jurnal Kajian Ilmu Administrasi Negara, 9(2).

Wardana, R., Nurdin, I., & Wargadinata, E. L. (2026). “Agile Governance in the Implementation of the Electronic-Based Government System (SPBE) in the City of Banda Aceh”. Jurnal Pemerintahan dan Politik, 11(2), 529–544

Wijaya, T., Noak, P. A., & Erviantono, T. (2023). Implementasi Kebijakan Jaringan Pengaman Sosial pada Peraturan Gubernur Bali Nomor 15 Tahun 2020 dalam Perspektif Merilee S. Grindle. Jurnal Nawala Politika, 2(2), 55–64

Yahaya & Nur Fazila i Salleh Noraffandy. (2020). Peraturan Walikota (Perwal) Banda Aceh Nomor 18 Tahun 2020 Adalah Peraturan Tentang Smart CityKota Banda Aceh” 21, no. 1. 1–9.