Title: Beyond digital access: determinants of public participation in policy crowdsourcing in Indonesia

Authors: Sukardi Sukardi; Chandra Dinata; Listanto Tri Utomo; Akbar Pandu Dwinugraha; Ahmad Luthfi; I. Made Arie Whidhiastana Putra

Addresses: University of Merdeka Malang, East Java, 65146, Indonesia ' University of Merdeka Malang, East Java, 65146, Indonesia ' University of Merdeka Malang, East Java, 65146, Indonesia ' University of Merdeka Malang, East Java, 65146, Indonesia ' University of Merdeka Malang, East Java, 65146, Indonesia ' University of Merdeka Malang, East Java, 65146, Indonesia

Abstract: This study examines the determinants of citizen participation in digital policy crowdsourcing in East Java, Indonesia, moving beyond the traditional focus on access. Utilising partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) on data from 114 respondents, the research analyses the impact of technical vs. institutional factors. The findings reveal a counter-intuitive phenomenon: digital literacy and perceived ease of use do not significantly influence participation interest. Instead, engagement is primarily driven by the perceived benefits of crowdsourcing (BoC) and a supportive regulatory environment. This suggests a shift from a 'digital divide' to an 'engagement divide' where citizens act as value-maximisers rather than effort-minimisers. Consequently, policymakers should prioritise regulatory assurance and tangible policy feedback over mere platform usability to foster sustainable e-participation.

Keywords: policy crowdsourcing; e-government; public value; engagement divide; PLS-SEM; partial least squares structural equation modelling; Indonesia.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEG.2026.156078

International Journal of Electronic Governance, 2026 Vol.18 No.1, pp.76 - 101

Received: 28 Nov 2025
Accepted: 07 May 2026
Published online: 02 Sep 2026 *

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