Why is the Application Programming Interface the backbone of a Smart City?

Improved informatiAbstractcommunication technology, causing smart city initiatives have developed in major cities in the world since the last decade. Smart cities aim to create sustainable urban development. Through the Ministry of Communication and Information of the Republic of Indonesia implemented the "100 cities to smart city"program, which began in 2017. The purpose of this article is to analyze the Application Programming Interface (API) as the Smart City backbone in Samarinda as a buffer city for the capital of the Republic of Indonesia in 2024 This study uses a qualitative approach with data collection techniques through in-depth interviews, FGD, observation and emphasizes on document analysis. This study provides the following conclusions. First, Samarinda City Government has carried out various transformations and innovations so that the city of Samarinda is competitive and ready to become a buffer city for the Republic of Indonesia's capital in 2024. Second, infrastructure development is necessary as a means of supporting smart cities. To facilitate the implementation of API in Samarinda City. Recommendations from this research for the successful implementation of API in Samarinda City as a buffer for the nation's capital in 2024 are as follows. First, there needs to be a more comprehensive strengthening of policies and regulations because there are regional apparatus of the Samarinda City Government that have an information system that is not integrated with the API. Second, there needs to be an increase in human resources, especially the State Civil Apparatus and / or Civil Servants, directly related to API. This study proves that there are no consolidated standards or best practices for smart governance because each city can implement different governance frameworks and models in achieving smart cities according to their local wisdom and city resources.