Abstract
The digital revolution has fundamentally transformed the relationship between the state and its citizens by shifting various government activities and forms of public participation from the physical to the virtual realm. This transformation has spurred the emergence of digital governance and digital citizenship practices, which are increasingly shaping the patterns of interaction between the government and the public. This study aims to analyse the role of digital citizenship in enhancing the participation of urban communities and to map patterns of governance in the virtual space in the city of Samarinda, as a satellite city supporting the Capital City of Nusantara (IKN). The study employs a qualitative method with a descriptive approach. Data collection was carried out through virtual observation, in-depth interviews and a documentary study involving local government officials, RT/RW leaders, and residents who use digital government services. Data analysis was conducted using the Miles, Huberman and Saldaña interactive model, within the theoretical framework of the digital revolution proposed by Ross Tapsell. Research findings indicate that digitalisation has driven a shift in patterns of citizen participation from formal, procedural mechanisms towards virtual participation that is more spontaneous, flexible and based on everyday digital interactions. Social media, online discussion groups and public service applications such as SAMAGOV have become the primary means for citizens to voice their concerns, exercise oversight and establish communication with local government. On the other hand, the Samarinda City Council has adopted various digital platforms to improve service accessibility and bureaucratic responsiveness. However, the effectiveness of digital governance still faces challenges in the form of a digital literacy gap amongst civil servants, sub-optimal two-way communication, and the potential for information polarisation in cyberspace. This study concludes that virtual governance in Samarinda represents a strategic adaptation to the demands of the digital society and serves as a vital foundation for strengthening a more responsive, participatory and transparent government in the post-digital era.