In the midst of preparations for the 2024 General Election, the Indonesian government has ensured that the neutrality of the State Civil Apparatus (ASN) in the digital realm is the main focus in maintaining the integrity of democracy. In a proactive step, the Ministry of Communication and Information (Kominfo) is collaborating closely with the State Civil Apparatus Commission (KASN), building a strong collaborative foundation to monitor and ensure ASN behavior remains neutral.
The Director General of Information and Public Communication at the Ministry of Communication and Information, Usman Kansong, said that ASN’s neutrality in the digital space is not only the authority of the government, but also involves community participation. As a strategic partner, KASN has the authority to ask the Ministry of Communication and Information to carry out checks if there are indications of violations of neutrality by ASN.
The importance of involving the public in monitoring cannot be ignored. Through the complaint page provided by KASN on their official website, the public is invited to report ASN behavior that is considered not neutral. In an effort to be transparent, KASN has a complaints page that specifically provides a channel for reporting alleged violations of ASN’s basic values, code of ethics and code of conduct, as well as ASN’s neutrality.
KASN will take action steps in accordance with applicable law. Sanctions that may be applied include administrative aspects, delaying salary increases, and even dismissal. This firmness is in accordance with the rules contained in the ASN Law and a joint decree from the Minister for Administrative Reform and Bureaucratic Reform (Menpan RB), KASN, the Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu), and several other related institutions.
The proactive steps taken by the Ministry of Communication and Information ASN who have signed an integrity pact are seen as a form of commitment to maintain neutrality during the 2024 elections. By confirming their commitment through a formal agreement like this, it is hoped that the Ministry of Communication and Information ASN will be able to set a positive example and motivate ASN in other institutions to participate in maintaining neutrality .
Vice President Ma’ruf Amin emphasized that state officials, including ASN, TNI and Polri, must maintain a neutral attitude and not get involved in practical political activities or support any of the contestants. Strict supervision from the Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) is a key step to prevent fraud. Complaints to Bawaslu are treated objectively and fairly, reflecting the important role of Bawaslu in maintaining the integrity of the election process.
Bawaslu needs support and reports from the community. Bawaslu’s courage to enforce rules and take action against violations is the key to the overall success of supervision. In this context, the Vice President reminded that Bawaslu’s lack of courage to take action could harm the effectiveness of supervision, so there is a need for full commitment to carry out their duties with responsibility and integrity.
Pls. Deputy for Human Resources for the Ministry of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform, Aba Subagja, explained that various instruments had been built to ensure the neutrality and partiality of ASN. These instruments include Joint Decree Letters (SKB) and other technical mechanisms implemented in the field. This is to ensure that every ASN continues to comply with the basic values, code of ethics and neutrality that are the foundation of ASN integrity. Kemenpan RB has also formed a task force with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Bawaslu, BKN, and KASN, to deal with potential violations of ASN neutrality.
PAN RB Minister Abdullah Azwar Anas has set a number of prohibitions for ASN during the 2024 elections. These prohibitions include a ban on being on the success team of political parties or presidential and vice presidential candidates, as well as a ban on being involved in campaign activities. ASNs are also prohibited from uploading or reacting to campaign content from participants in the 2024 General Election and Presidential Election. Controversy arose regarding the prohibition on posing with certain hand symbols that are easily associated with certain presidential and vice-presidential candidates.
With a strong commitment from the government and the Ministry of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform to maintain neutrality during the 2024 elections, it is hoped that the democratic process can run fairly, transparently and meet integrity standards. Even though strict monitoring mechanisms and regulations have been implemented, the role of the community as supervisors is crucial to ensure the success and continued neutrality of state apparatus in the democratic process.
The 2024 election will not only be political momentum, but also an example of quality democracy that can be appreciated by all Indonesian people. The importance of maintaining democratic integrity as a shared responsibility is the final note in this narrative.
