Suryastri Boni: A female champion leading digital transformation in Indonesia's healthcare sector

 

With a passion for IT and expertise in end-to-end supply chain management, Suryastri Boni has risen to the position of Head of the Pharmaceutical Resilience and Medical Devices Tribe at the Digital Transformation Office (DTO) of the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Indonesia. Despite lacking formal education in IT and hailing from an underprivileged village in Talang Padang, Tanggamus, Lampung, she has shattered stereotypes that STEM fields are exclusively for men with formal IT education.

The DTO was established by the MoH in 2021 with aims to (1) increase the accessibility of electronic medical records (EMR) for every individual and across healthcare facilities, (2) simplify the system for health workers, enabling them to place their focus on saving lives rather than administrative matters, and (3) propel policy innovation in strengthening health technology. The emergence of the DTO reflects Indonesia's growing urgency to strengthen health services as part of the SDG agenda and to drive digital transformation in the healthcare sector in Indonesia. Within the DTO, Boni is entrusted with the leadership of three sections: the Pharmacy and Health Devices Tribe and the Data and Health Human Resources sections.

Fondly known as Boni, she firmly believes that a commitment to ongoing learning and self- confidence are pivotal for women to carve out successful careers in the IT realm and make significant contributions to society.

Ms. Boni, could you share a bit about your background? Additionally, do your parents hail from this field, and did they provide you with support and guidance in your new undertaking?

From my early years until middle school, I resided in a village where power outages were frequent. My parents, both traders, aspired for their children to attend school in a better environment, not just in our village. Fortunately, my academic performance during that time was commendable, securing the top spot in the district. Eventually, I gained admission to Santa Ursula High School (Ursula), an all-girls institution. Unlike the village setting where academic excellence seemed effortless, Ursula demanded dedicated study efforts. It was a pivotal period that broadened my perspective. As a native of the region, I became acutely aware of the disparities afflicting many individuals. What once made me feel significant now rendered me insignificant.

Upon completing high school, I remained undecided about my preferred major and ultimately opted for Industrial Engineering, primarily because it was in vogue at the time and offered promising job prospects. Industrial engineering graduates were highly sought after in the job market, which influenced my decision. Remarkably, I became the first graduate to finish my studies in a swift 3.5 years, compared to the typical 4-year duration. However, even after graduating, I found myself uncertain about my career path. Eventually, I secured a position as a junior IT consultant at an IT company, a rare occurrence in 1998 when such firms were scarce. In my initial role, I immersed myself in learning coding, programming, system development, and software creation. Surprisingly, transitioning from Industrial Engineering to the realm of IT posed no challenge for me. I discovered a genuine passion for the world of IT and the internet through this experience.

What has your professional journey looked like, from when you started all the way until now, with your involvement with the DTO project?

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, I decided to resign from my position at the factory where I was employed. Following my resignation, I had the opportunity to collaborate with the SMILE team from UNDP, who approached me to assist in addressing challenges related to vaccine distribution. Leveraging my background in both supply chain management and IT, I offered insights, gathered data, streamlined distribution processes, and ensured continuity of operations. This involvement provided me with firsthand insight into the hurdles faced in vaccine distribution across Indonesia. Later, the DTO appointed me as the Head of the Pharmaceutical Resilience and Medical Devices Tribe. In this role, I am dedicated to standardizing product codes for vaccines, medications, medical devices, and other related items. Additionally, I am working towards aligning various components to establish a cohesive and efficient logistics system on the Satu Sehat platform.

How do you view the work so far? Tell us about the opportunities and challenges you have faced - what is it like doing this job?

The challenge lies in the national-level distribution, which encompasses multiple systems. The objective is straightforward: to distribute from centralized hubs to various regions. Among these systems is SMILE, an integral part of Satu Sehat Logistik. In industries, a similar concept applies, where companies manufacture goods with standardized codes to ensure compatibility when integrated. Likewise, medication prescriptions must adhere to this standardization, with all pharmacies adopting uniform codes. The process involves standardizing codes and meticulously monitoring each step to ensure seamless integration.

I have a preference for optimizing business procedures and find disorderly systems - particularly those lacking data - unappealing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we encountered challenges in gathering vaccine-related data: Where are the vaccines sourced from? Who oversees production? What measures are in place for vaccine depletion or expiration? Obtaining comprehensive data for monitoring purposes proved arduous during this period. We heavily relied on field officers at the central level, but response times were often sluggish, compounded by the geographical complexities of our archipelagic nation. By integrating and streamlining the vaccination system, we can significantly benefit society. Access to medication and healthcare equipment will become more convenient, and costs can be reduced due to improved system efficiency.

I find fulfillment in my role at the Ministry of Health's DTO because I believe our efforts here can make a substantial impact on society. I don't place much emphasis on titles or positions. Instead, I focus on the meaningful contributions I can make, recognizing that my skills are valued and essential to the team's objectives.

Do you feel that you are able to maintain a balance between your professional and your personal life in your current position?

The concept of work-life balance can vary depending on one's perspective. Some may perceive any dissatisfaction as indicative of an imbalance, while others view a strong dedication to work as a sign of being a workaholic, especially if they derive enjoyment from their tasks.

During my tenure at a factory with a well-organized and stable IT system, achieving a work-life balance was quite feasible. I simply needed to manage my tasks efficiently, allowing me to return home, unwind, and engage in other activities. However, at the MoH, where numerous tasks demand attention, maintaining this balance seems to necessitate mental preparation. The pace is often accelerated, with an emphasis on swift responses. As I primarily work from home, I find myself engaging in numerous virtual meetings to manage my three teams effectively. While my role primarily involves coordination, I still enjoy being hands-on at times.

How do you see gender equality in the professional field of digital technology in Indonesia?

To me there is still a long way to go. I can really feel that women must work extra hard compared to men to reach the same position in this field. In my experience, I observe that the priority positions, promotions, rewards, and appreciations are still reserved more for men. It seems that there is this mindset that women are not competent enough in digital technology. This mindset persists among both men and women.

In the DTO, I can estimate that women make up about 20% of the personnel, but most of them are in the HR and admin sections. Those working in the core technical departments are maybe only around 5%. However, despite the mindset issue that I mentioned earlier, I choose to keep focusing on my contribution and the impact on society that will be created through our work – this is what motivates me to keep going.

Is there a female figure you consider a role model?

One such figure is the Head of Santa Ursula High School, Sister Francesco. She is an exceptional individual, known for her broad-mindedness and strict approach to education. Despite her stern demeanor, she possesses a kind heart and a gentle disposition. Even at the age of 80, her memory remains sharp. She emphasizes the importance of women being independent, instilling this value in her students.

In your opinion, what do you think needs to be done/done to make more opportunities in this field of work available to women?

Firstly, it's essential to dispel the notion that the field of IT is exclusively for men. Entering the realm of IT doesn't necessitate having a formal education in Computer Science or IT. Many individuals who haven't yet ventured into this field may initially think, "I'm not proficient in IT because I didn't study computers." This mindset needs to be revised. We must eradicate the stereotype that only men with an IT background can excel in this field. In reality, anyone with the desire to learn can pursue a career in IT.

One of the members of my DTO team holds a degree in literature. When I initially joined the DTO, the team was understaffed. It was during the preparation of the DTO blueprint that I crossed paths with this literature graduate. Given my workload and the absence of a team, I invited the literature graduate to join us. I prioritize a willingness to learn over an academic background. Now, this individual is proficient in tasks such as data research, analysis, and business process creation.

Do you have any advice for other women in this field out there?

Opportunities arrive like buses, with some passing by daily. It's about choosing which bus to board because they will keep coming, albeit sometimes with varying outcomes. Occasionally, we encounter favorable buses, while at other times, not so-favorable ones. However, luck plays a role too; sometimes, the timing may not be right, or opportunities may not materialize as expected. For women considering entry into the IT field but feeling uncertain, it's crucial to open their minds and discard the notion of incapability. Whether one can or cannot often returns to self-imposed limitations. There's a subtle difference between laziness and genuine incapacity. Is it a matter of being unwilling due to laziness, or is it genuinely beyond your capability? Sometimes, individuals limit their potential by asserting they cannot. Disregard external opinions, as focusing on them only amplifies feelings of insecurity. Lastly, a willingness to learn is paramount. Feeling capable but refusing to embrace continual learning poses challenges, is challenging considering the ever-evolving nature of technology.