The 2019 Open Society Conference (OSC) organized by the Faculty of Law, Social, and Political Sciences (FHISIP), Universitas Terbuka, carries the theme “Democracy and Public Accountability in the Digital Era.” The conference highlights the transformation of democratic practices in response to rapid technological developments in the era of the Industrial Revolution 4.0. The event is also followed by the 4th Congress of the Association of State Administration Scientists (AsIAN), which discusses the opportunities and challenges faced by the field of public administration in this technological era.

In the digital era, democracy is no longer limited to the concept of rule of law but also encompasses broader social, political, and economic rights. Public accountability becomes an essential principle of democratic governance, emphasizing that government actions and policies must be accountable to citizens. Modern democratic states increasingly play active roles in regulating economic and social policies, including taxation, minimum wages, social security, public education, and poverty reduction, in order to maintain stability and promote public welfare.

The advancement of information and communication technology has also created an information society and a new virtual environment known as cyberspace. This space has transformed many aspects of human activity—including political, social, economic, and cultural interactions—into digital forms, enabling new modes of communication, entrepreneurship, information exchange, and relationships between governments and citizens.

At the same time, the Industrial Revolution 4.0, characterized by digitalization, artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, 3D printing, nanotechnology, and biotechnology, brings significant changes to social and political structures. These rapid and disruptive technological transformations require governments to increase public awareness, expand access to technology, and develop strategies that allow society to benefit from technological progress while addressing its challenges.

Through this conference, scholars and practitioners are encouraged to contribute ideas and discussions on how democracy and public accountability can adapt to the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital era.

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