Internet of Things and Its Application in Smart City

Abstract

The rapid advancement of digital technologies has significantly influenced the evolution of smart cities, with the Internet of Things (IoT) serving as a core enabler. IoT allows interconnected devices to collect, process, and share data in real time, thereby supporting more efficient and sustainable urban management. This study aims to analyze the applications of IoT in smart cities, particularly in Indonesia, by identifying key areas of implementation, evaluating their effectiveness in improving urban services, and exploring related challenges and opportunities. The research employed a qualitative approach using a structured literature study, drawing on academic journals, conference papers, books, and official reports published between 2013 and 2025. Data were collected systematically from international databases such as Scopus, IEEE Xplore, and ScienceDirect, as well as national sources to incorporate local perspectives. The findings reveal that IoT has been widely applied in urban transportation, energy and environment, disaster management, and healthcare. In Indonesia, initiatives such as Jakarta Smart City, Bandung’s smart street lighting, and IoT-based flood monitoring in Semarang demonstrate tangible improvements in service delivery and citizen satisfaction. However, challenges remain in the areas of infrastructure readiness, digital literacy, cybersecurity, and governance integration. Despite these limitations, IoT offers significant opportunities to strengthen transparency, accountability, and public participation in urban governance. The study concludes that successful IoT adoption in Indonesia requires not only technological readiness but also supportive policies, stakeholder collaboration, and citizen engagement.