By: Dirandra Falguni)*
Ahead of the 2024 simultaneous Regional Head Elections (Pilkada), the issue of the neutrality of State Civil Apparatus (ASN) has resurfaced in various regions of Indonesia. Although regulations on ASN neutrality have been issued and confirmed by various state institutions, violations are still found, involving a number of ASN individuals who openly support certain regional head candidates. ASN neutrality is the key to the implementation of honest, fair, and conducive Pilkada, especially in maintaining professionalism and public trust in the government.
Minister of Home Affairs, Tito Karnavian emphasized the importance of ASN neutrality as a basic principle for the implementation of the Pilkada to run fairly. Various violations involving local ASN have been reported to the Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) and several ASN individuals have been highlighted by the public through social media. Some examples that have emerged are the involvement of the Head of Samsat Ogan Ilir 1 and the Head of the South Sumatra Provincial Government’s Social Service in providing support to certain candidate pairs. Tito Karnavian has issued a circular with the Ministry of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reform (Kemenpan-RB), emphasizing that ASN who are proven not to be neutral will be subject to sanctions, both administrative and criminal.
Based on existing regulations, ASN throughout Indonesia must uphold integrity and professionalism during the Pilkada period. ASN are prohibited from being involved in campaigns or providing support to certain candidates, either directly or through social media. In this case, Bawaslu has the authority to take firm action against any ASN involved in violations of neutrality. The sanctions imposed can be in the form of a written warning to dismissal from office or ASN status if proven to be involved in practical politics.
In addition to the Minister of Home Affairs, several officials in various regions also emphasized the importance of ASN neutrality. The Head of the Class II Palu Special Child Development Institution (LPKA), Mohammad Kafi, stated that all ASN under his auspices must maintain neutrality in facing the dynamics of Pilkada politics. In an assembly, he emphasized that ASN must focus on serving the community without being influenced by political interests. Kafi reminded that every ASN must be an example for the community in maintaining integrity and professionalism. He also added that strict sanctions will be imposed on ASN who violate the neutrality provisions.
Support for ASN neutrality also came from the Head of the Central Sulawesi Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, Hermansyah. He praised the steps taken by the Head of LPKA Palu and said that ASN neutrality is a fundamental principle in maintaining ASN professionalism. According to Hermansyah, ASN throughout Central Sulawesi must be a role model for the community in maintaining neutrality.
In West Kalimantan, the Acting Governor, Harisson gave a stern warning to ASN in his region. In an inauguration event for officials in the West Kalimantan Provincial Government, Harisson reminded ASN not to get involved in practical politics during the Pilkada. He emphasized that ASN who violate the principle of neutrality will be subject to strict sanctions in accordance with applicable regulations. Harisson has also issued a circular to all heads of regional apparatus in West Kalimantan to ensure the neutrality of ASN in their regions.
Harisson reminded that ASN neutrality is fundamental in ensuring that the Pilkada runs honestly, fairly, and free from political intervention. He also appealed to the public to report ASN who are suspected of not being neutral so that Bawaslu can verify and provide recommendations for sanctions. The circular requires ASN not to use state facilities, positions, or government programs for political interests.
In Majalengka Regency, West Java, the commitment to maintain ASN neutrality is also continuously echoed by the Acting Head of the Majalengka Regency Human Resources Development and Personnel Agency (BKPSDM), H Gatot Sulaeman. He and other officials appealed to ASN and Non ASN in Majalengka not to be involved in practical politics during the 2024 Pilkada. Gatot emphasized that ASN neutrality is very important to create a safe, cool, and conducive Pilkada atmosphere.
ASN in Majalengka Regency are expected not to be involved in activities that benefit or harm one of the candidate pairs. For ASN who are proven to have violated, disciplinary sanctions are clearly regulated, ranging from reprimands to dismissal. The Majalengka Regency Government also held a declaration of Majalengka Safe, Neutral, and Calm (Anteng) as a preventive effort to maintain ASN neutrality.
In addition to ASN, the neutrality of the TNI/Polri is also in the spotlight during the Pilkada period. In Ponorogo, the local Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu) held a neutrality socialization for ASN and TNI/Polri. This socialization aims to emphasize that all state apparatus must be neutral as mandated by law. The Head of Bawaslu Ponorogo, Bahrun Mustofa, stated that the neutrality of ASN and TNI/Polri is very important in realizing a clean and transparent Pilkada. The Acting Regent of Ponorogo, Joko Irianto, emphasized the importance of ASN being careful in their attitudes and avoiding any actions that could give the impression of supporting a particular candidate, such as certain photo poses or attributes.
ASN neutrality in the 2024 Pilkada is the foundation for the success of fair and democratic elections. ASN, as public servants, must maintain public trust by not being involved in practical political activities that can damage the credibility and professionalism of government institutions. Given the importance of this neutrality, various regional heads have issued stern warnings and strict sanctions to ASN who are proven not to be neutral.
The commitment to maintaining ASN neutrality needs to be supported by concrete actions from supervisory institutions and the community. Public support in overseeing ASN neutrality, for example by reporting violations found, can help prevent political intervention that threatens the honesty of the democratic process.
By ensuring ASN remains neutral, the government can maintain stability and public trust in the general election in Indonesia. ASN neutrality is not just a rule, but also a moral responsibility to provide fair and professional services without political intervention. Hopefully, the 2024 Pilkada will be a momentum for all ASN in Indonesia to demonstrate integrity and commitment to a clean and trusted democracy.
)* The author is a contributor to Beritakapuas.com