Surabaya City Government develops SITALAS for planning and evaluation of Child-Responsive Policies

Surabaya (ANTARA) - The Surabaya City Government continues to strengthen its commitment to realizing Surabaya as a Complete Child-Friendly City (Kota Layak Anak Paripurna) and a UNICEF Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI).

One of the strategic steps is the development of SITALAS, or the Surabaya Child-Friendly City Information System, a digital platform that has now transformed into the city's single data system for children (sistem satu data anak).

The Mayor of Surabaya, Eri Cahyadi, stated that this platform can be used by the City Government to integrate the entire process of planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of child-responsive policies in Surabaya.

“Through SITALAS, all data related to children, ranging from basic rights, health, education, protection, to children's participation in development, are now compiled in a single system that connects across departments [in the city government] and stakeholders,” said Mayor Eri on Sunday (12/10/2025).

In addition, the Head of the Regional Development Planning, Research, and Development Agency of Surabaya, Irvan Wahyudrajad, explained that the data managed in SITALAS consists of two types: quantitative and qualitative data. The first, quantitative data, includes various numerical indicators describing the achievements of Child-Friendly City (KLA) and CFCI programs and activities in Surabaya.

“This type of data serves to provide an objective, measurable, and standardized overview of the conditions of children. It also becomes the basis for analyzing achievements and evaluating the implementation of policies based on valid numbers,” Irvan explained.

The second one is qualitative data. Qualitative data contains narratives, observation results, and descriptions of the implementation of KLA and CFCI policies and programs in each department, district, and sub-district. This data provides an in-depth understanding of the context of implementation and the best practices that emerge in the process of child-friendly development in Surabaya.

“Through the integration of these two data types, SITALAS is able to present comprehensive information, not only describing achievements statistically but also recording the process and experience of program implementation in the field. This combination forms a strong foundation for the Surabaya City Government in formulating policies that are more targeted, responsive, and sustainable to improve children's well-being,” Irvan stated.

Irvan also mentioned that the platform allows the City Government to make evidence-based policy making decisions, ensuring that every policy truly favors the best interests of the child.

“With the support of Artificial Intelligence (AI)technology, SITALAS can also generate adaptive and predictive policy recommendations, helping the government identify problems early and formulate precise and measurable solutions,” he noted.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Department of Women's Empowerment, Child Protection, Population Control, and Family Planning of Surabaya Ida Widayati, added that SITALAS is more than just an information system. This platform is a collaborative ecosystem that brings together data, policy, and community participation.

Through a hexa-helix approach involving the government, business sector, academia, media, community, and international organizations, SITALAS strengthens cross-sector synergy in realizing sustainable child welfare.

“Access to SITALAS is also becoming increasingly broad and inclusive. While previously it could only be accessed by the Surabaya Children's Forum, districts, and sub-districts, the platform is now open to all children in Surabaya. Through the available participatory features, the children in Surabaya can directly convey their aspirations, ideas, and suggestions for a more child-friendly city development,” Ida explained.

She further added that SITALAS also provides a creative space for children to showcase their works, innovations, and products in various fields. With this expanded access, SITALAS becomes a platform for expression that encourages active participation, creativity, and a sense of ownership over their own city.

“This step reaffirms the Surabaya City Government's commitment to building a system that not only protects children but also provides space for them to create and contribute meaningfully to realizing Surabaya as a National and Global Child-Friendly City,” she concluded.