In a democratic country, the neutrality of state apparatus, starting from the TNI, Polri and Civil Servants (ASN) is one of the main pillars to ensure a fair and honest Regional Head Election (Pilkada) process. State apparatus as public servants and state instruments are required to carry out their duties without being influenced by certain political interests.
This obligation to be neutral is not just a written rule, but is also the foundation for public trust in a government with integrity. By maintaining neutrality, ASN helps create a healthy political climate, where every candidate has the same opportunity to compete fairly.
The North Maluku (Malut) Provincial Government has firmly reminded all State Civil Apparatus (ASN) in its region to maintain neutrality and not take sides with any gubernatorial candidate ahead of the 2024 simultaneous regional elections. This step was taken to ensure that the regional head election process is fair and honest, without there is intervention from parties who have certain interests.
The Acting Governor of North Maluku, Samsuddin A Kadir, emphasized that North Maluku is a vulnerable area regarding the involvement of ASN in supporting certain gubernatorial candidates. Therefore, ASN neutrality is a top priority during the Pilkada stages.
The provincial government wants the elected regional heads to be truly the people’s choice through a safe, peaceful and democratic process. Samsuddin emphasized that ASN involvement in practical politics would be dealt with in accordance with applicable regulations, with strict supervision from Bawaslu.
Apart from that, the North Maluku Provincial Government also appealed to ASN to be wise in using social media during this political period. ASNs are expected to always show a neutral attitude at every stage of the Pilkada, avoiding posts or comments that could be interpreted as support for certain candidates. This neutral attitude is expected to be able to maintain the integrity and trust of the public in the ongoing democratic process.
In a separate location, the North Maluku Regional Police also underlined the importance of the neutrality of all Polri members during the 2024 simultaneous regional elections. The Head of Public Relations of the North Maluku Regional Police, Police Commissioner Bambang Suharyono, emphasized that all National Police personnel are obliged to maintain their integrity and professionalism.
The neutrality of the National Police is regulated in Law Number 2 of 2002 concerning the National Police, which covers the main duties and neutrality of the National Police. Police Regulation Number 7 of 2022 concerning the Police Professional Code of Ethics also emphasizes that Polri members must maintain a neutral attitude and not get involved in practical politics.
The hope of the North Maluku Regional Police is that all its members comply with these provisions, so that public trust in the National Police is maintained. Neutrality not only needs to be maintained in daily actions but also in every action related to the implementation of tasks in the field during the Pilkada stages.
In Banjarbaru, Mayor Aditya Mufti Ariffin reminded all ASN ranks to remain neutral and not get involved in practical politics. Ahead of the 2024 simultaneous regional elections, Aditya emphasized the importance of thorough preparation and solid cooperation between all parties to ensure that the regional elections run smoothly, safely and democratically.
The Mayor of Banjarbaru underlined that synergy between the Regional Government, TNI and Polri is very important in carrying out preparedness ahead of the Pilkada. All parties are expected to continue to uphold integrity and neutrality at every stage of the regional elections, and carry out their duties and responsibilities well.
Aditya has also issued a circular regarding ASN neutrality, reminding that ASN has the right to choose but must not take sides publicly.
Political education for the community is also the focus of the Mayor of Banjarbaru. It is hoped that the importance of political education for the public can help them exercise their right to vote wisely and not be influenced by misleading information.
Head of Banjarbaru City National and Political Unity (Kesbangpol), Rizana Mirza, added that political education had been carried out since the previous legislative and presidential elections, including outreach in sub-districts and schools for first-time voters, people with disabilities and women figures.
Landak Regency Bawaslu also emphasized the importance of ASN neutrality in the implementation of the 2024 Pilkada. Chairperson of Landak Regency Bawaslu, Barto Agato Dirgo, in the ASN Neutrality Socialization activity emphasized that ASN neutrality is one of the important pillars in maintaining the integrity and credibility of the Regional Election.
ASN must stand above all groups and must not be involved in practical politics to maintain public trust in the democratic process.
Landak Regency Bawaslu appealed to all ASN in their area to comply with applicable rules and regulations, and maintain professionalism. ASNs who are proven to have violated neutrality will be subject to sanctions in accordance with applicable regulations.
Bawaslu also opens a complaint service for the public who are aware of violations of neutrality by ASN, encouraging public participation in monitoring the Pilkada process.
Ahead of the 2024 simultaneous regional elections, ASN neutrality is becoming a major focus in various regions. The governments of North Maluku Province, Banjarbaru City, and Landak Regency all emphasized that ASN neutrality is key to maintaining the integrity and public trust in the democratic process.
By ensuring that ASN is not involved in practical politics, it is hoped that the regional elections can take place fairly, honestly and democratically. All parties are expected to work together and comply with applicable regulations, in order to create peaceful and transparent elections. Let’s ensure that the 2024 regional elections run in an orderly manner and produce leaders who are truly elected by the people.
