By: Naya Madika Santi)*
Ahead of the 2024 Pilkada, the neutrality of the State Civil Apparatus (ASN) has become one of the main issues that has received serious attention from the government and the public. The role of ASN in maintaining neutrality is very important to ensure a transparent, fair, and honest election process. The government, through various policies, continues to encourage ASN to remain on a neutral path in order to create a healthy democracy. ASN neutrality not only maintains the integrity of the election but also prevents conflicts of interest that can damage public trust in government institutions.
Minister of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reform, Abdullah Azwar Anas, emphasized that ASN who violate the principle of neutrality will be given strict sanctions. This step was taken to maintain ASN discipline and prevent their involvement in practical politics that could potentially damage their professionalism as public servants. ASN who are proven not to be neutral can be subject to administrative sanctions to criminal sanctions in accordance with the violations committed. This strict enforcement of the rules shows the government’s seriousness in maintaining political stability through ASN neutrality.
The neutrality of ASN has actually been clearly regulated in Law Number 5 of 2014 concerning ASN. The law emphasizes that ASN are prohibited from becoming members or administrators of political parties and must be free from practical political influence. Violation of this rule not only impacts individual ASN, but also damages the image and credibility of government institutions as a whole. Therefore, the government continues to strive to ensure that ASN can carry out their duties professionally and without political pressure.
The Acting Governor of South Sulawesi Province, Prof. Zudan Arif Fakrulloh, also reminded the importance of ASN neutrality, especially ahead of the 2024 Pilkada. ASN must fully focus on public service without being involved in practical politics. This firm stance was taken to prevent the emergence of potential violations that could damage the democratic process. With strict supervision from the regional government, it is hoped that ASN throughout Indonesia can comply with existing regulations and maintain their integrity during the Pilkada process.
The socialization of the importance of ASN neutrality is also continuously intensified by the local government. Assistant I for Governance of Balikpapan City Government, Zulkifli, emphasized that ASN must understand their role in maintaining political stability and preventing the spread of information that can be misleading, such as hoaxes or black campaigns. Through massive socialization, the government hopes that ASN will increasingly understand the great responsibility they bear in creating a democratic and quality Pilkada. Active participation of ASN in maintaining this neutrality is very necessary so that the Pilkada atmosphere remains conducive and safe for the entire community.
The government also issued a Joint Decree (SKB) involving several institutions, such as the Ministry of PANRB, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the State Civil Service Agency (BKN), the State Civil Service Commission (KASN), and the Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu). This SKB aims to increase synergy in the supervision and development of ASN neutrality. With this cooperation between institutions, violations of neutrality can be minimized through stricter supervision. In addition, the sanctions given to ASN who violate are expected to provide a deterrent effect and be an example for other ASN to maintain their integrity.
The political pressure that ASN often faces in the run-up to the Pilkada is often a challenge in itself. ASN are often faced with invitations or even pressure from certain parties to get involved in practical politics. However, the government continues to strive to provide education to ASN about the importance of neutrality in maintaining their stability and professionalism. Awareness of the importance of neutrality must be instilled early on so that ASN can carry out their duties without being influenced by any political interests.
At the national level, the Minister of Home Affairs, Tito Karnavian, also stated that socialization related to ASN neutrality must continue to be carried out continuously. This socialization is not only carried out ahead of the Pilkada, but must also be a continuous program to ensure that ASN fully understands the importance of maintaining neutrality in carrying out government duties. In addition, the education provided also includes sanctions that will be received if violations occur, so that ASN can be more careful in their attitudes.
Public participation in monitoring ASN neutrality is also very important. The government has provided a platform for the public to report any suspected violations of neutrality committed by ASN. With public supervision, transparency in the selection process can be maintained and violations can be followed up immediately. This public involvement also shows that maintaining ASN neutrality is not only the responsibility of the government, but also the responsibility of all elements of the nation.
Ultimately, ASN neutrality is an important key to ensuring that the 2024 Pilkada can run smoothly and produce quality regional leaders. Government support for this effort deserves appreciation, because by maintaining ASN neutrality, the democratic process in Indonesia can continue to develop healthily. Joint efforts between the government, ASN, and the community in maintaining this neutrality are expected to create a transparent, fair, and conducive election atmosphere. By jointly maintaining neutrality, we can ensure that the 2024 Pilkada will produce quality leaders and bring positive change to the nation and state. ASN neutrality is a strong foundation for creating a clean, accountable, and authoritative government, which will lead Indonesia to a brighter future.
)*The author is a political observer