Imagining the Future of Records Management: An Analysis of the SRIKANDI in Indonesia through Documentation Studies

The SRIKANDI application, a cornerstone of Indonesia's digital records management initiative, embodies the nation's commitment to modernizing governance through electronic systems. This study employs Niels Windfeld Lund’s Complementary Documentation Analysis Model to dissect SRIKANDI'S evolution (diachronic analysis) and its current state (synchronic analysis), offering a comprehensive understanding of its role in Indonesia's e-government landscape. Diachronically, SRIKANDI'S development reflects a strategic shift from fragmented, standalone applications towards a unified, interoperable platform, as mandated by Presidential Regulation No. 95 of 2018. This transition aims to streamline government processes, reduce redundancy, and enhance budget efficiency. Synchronically, SRIKANDI is evaluated as a digital platform facilitating efficient records management, yet it faces challenges such as low user engagement, technical issues, and institutional resistance. Despite being adopted by numerous government institutions, only a fraction of users actively engage with the system, indicating systemic barriers beyond technical difficulties. The study underscores the importance of addressing these challenges through improved infrastructure, user engagement strategies, and inter-agency coordination. By viewing SRIKANDI through the lens of complementary documentation, this research highlights its multifaceted nature—physically as a digital platform, conceptually as a modernization tool, and socially as a collaborative instrument. As Indonesia advances towards a smart, paperless administration, SRIKANDI'S success is pivotal in achieving sustainable records management and supporting the broader vision of a digitally integrated governance model. Future research should focus on user experiences and institutional responses to drive ongoing improvements, ensuring SRIKANDI'S role as a catalyst for digital transformation in Indonesia.