By : Maya Naura Lingga )*
The neutrality of the state civil apparatus (ASN) in the 2024 regional head elections (Pilkada) is the main key to creating a democratic and fair atmosphere. If ASN is neutral, then the democratic process can run well without any influence from government officials on the course of the election.
This is not only a moral responsibility, but also a statutory mandate. In a dynamic political situation, it is important for every ASN to maintain integrity, avoid conflicts of interest, and not get involved in practical politics.
The Regional Secretary of Central Java Province, Sumarno, firmly reminded the importance of this neutrality. Sumarno reminded that ASN must uphold the principle of neutrality and have an important responsibility in making the regional elections a success. This is nothing new, but it is always relevant to repeat every time the regional elections are held.
The involvement of ASN in regional elections, if not in accordance with the rules, could damage the credibility of democracy itself. ASN, as part of the government, does have an important role in supporting the election, but they cannot side with one candidate.
On the other hand, holding regional elections is the task of the KPU and Bawaslu. However, the budget used to organize Pilkada also comes from the regional government budget, so the involvement of regional governments cannot be separated from this process.
However, this involvement must remain within the correct corridor, namely supporting without taking sides. ASN has a dual responsibility, namely ensuring that the regional elections run smoothly without interfering in the election process itself.
The neutrality of ASN is closely monitored by the Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu). Any violations will be dealt with immediately. This is very important because, in several previous cases, many ASNs were caught up in practical politics, either directly or indirectly.
Therefore, Bawaslu’s role in monitoring the neutrality of ASN is very crucial. Bawaslu is not only tasked with supervising the running of the general election, but also ensuring that all components involved, including ASN, do not violate the established rules.
Bawaslu and the KPU work together to ensure that ASN is not involved in practical politics. Their job is to facilitate the running of the regional elections, not to participate in campaigns or take sides with one candidate pair. With this strict supervision, it is hoped that violations of ASN neutrality can be minimized.
The Acting Mayor of Makassar, Andi Arwin Azis, emphasized that he would impose strict sanctions on ASN who violate neutrality in the 2024 Regional Elections. The sanctions imposed could be very severe, even up to dismissal. Arwin emphasized that ASN must understand this rule well. Don’t let any ASN get caught up in practical politics which will only harm their careers.
Arwin does not want any ASN to become victims of politics and reminded that this five-year politics should not sacrifice ASN professionalism. ASN should remain focused on its main task, namely serving the community, not busy supporting one candidate. Because, whoever is elected, ASN must continue to work under new leadership.
ASN’s partiality with one candidate can cause losses, both for himself and for the agency where he works. When ASN is involved in practical politics, public service, which is its main task, will be neglected. This could have a bad impact, especially for people who rely on government services. Thus, ASN neutrality is an absolute thing that must be maintained.
As a form of commitment, several regions have implemented ASN Neutrality Declarations, as was done in Makassar. This declaration is a symbol that ASN in the area is committed not to get involved in practical politics. The signing of the Integrity Pact was also witnessed directly by the Acting Mayor of Makassar, Andi Arwin Azis, as a form of full support for the neutrality of ASN.
Not only in Makassar, other regions such as Belitung also show a similar commitment. The Acting Regent of Belitung, Mikron Antariksa, invited ASN, contract employees, honorary employees and village officials in Belitung Regency to maintain neutrality in the 2024 Regional Election. This shows that neutrality is not only the responsibility of ASN, but also all parties involved in government.
Integrity is an important thing that every ASN must have, especially in political years such as the 2024 Pilkada. Mikron emphasizes the importance of maintaining integrity at every stage of the Pilkada.
Neutrality is not only about not taking sides, but also ensuring that the democratic process runs well and transparently. ASN who maintain their integrity will be role models for society and make a positive contribution to the running of the regional elections.
The implementation of regional elections in a peaceful, dignified and integrity manner is the hope of all parties. Therefore, ASN needs to carry out its duties well, but also maintain its neutrality at every stage of the regional elections. This is very important so that elections can produce the best leaders who are truly chosen by the people, without any intervention from parties who should be neutral.
The public fully appreciates the neutrality of ASN so that they do not get caught up in practical politics, for the good of the nation and state. Hopefully the 2024 regional elections can run smoothly, peacefully, and produce the best leaders for the future.
)* The author is a contributor to Ruang Baca Nusantara
