Integration of DEMATEL and ANP methods to evaluate digital transformation maturity model in Indonesian higher education institutions

Digital transformation has become a necessity for higher education, but the existing maturity models are often irrelevant to the unique context of universities in Indonesia. This study aims to develop a comprehensive maturity assessment model using an integrated approach of Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) and Analytic Network Process (ANP) to determine the priority weight of criteria based on their interdependencies. The DEMATEL method was used to map cause-and-effect relationships based on a framework of seven dimensions and 21 criteria validated by, the results of which became input for ANP to calculate priority weights. The study results show that ‘Awareness and Adaptability’ is the most dominant trigger (cause) factor, while ‘Governance’ is the most influenced (recipient) factor, indicating that it is the result of the maturity of other factors. The dimensions of ‘Human Resource Development’ and ‘Security and Privacy’ emerged as the highest priorities with a weight of 15.93% each. This study produced a contextual model that concludes that an effective digital transformation strategy for higher education in Indonesia must be gradual, prioritizing the improvement of human resource capacity and cybersecurity strengthening as a systemic foundation before large-scale technology investment. This model provides university leaders with strategic guidance in decision-making and resource allocation.