Social media or social media has become a new forum for interaction for many people, including ASN (State Civil Apparatus). But in the context of regional elections, said the Head of the State Civil Apparatus Commission (KASN) Prof. Dr. Agus Pramusinto, MDA, oftentimes ASN fall into violent behavior in the realm of social media. Violations on social media are among the most frequently committed against state servants.
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General elections (elections) and local elections are one of the indicators of democracy in a country. Elections are held in the context of the circulation and rotation of power in order to avoid absolute power. An honest, fair and democratic election process should be implemented and obeyed by all parties. The goal is that the new leader who wins in the election has strong legitimacy.
ASN elements who are not neutral are often the ones who are highlighted in the election implementation by the KPUD. The problem is that those who are required to be neutral in reality often violate existing regulations.
According to the Head of KASN Prof. Dr. Agus Pramusinto, MDA, the regulation regarding the neutrality of ASN has been made permanent in a joint agreement signed by the heads of the relevant institutions and ministries in 2020. "There is an SKB between the Menpan-RB, the Minister of Home Affairs, the Head of KASN and the Chair of the Bawaslu regarding the neutrality of the ASN," he said.
One of the most frequent violations by ASN is the inappropriate use of social media, either to support or otherwise bring down one of the candidates. The number of cases of alleged violations reported in the thousands. "There were 2,034 cases of violations in the December 9, 2020 regional elections that were reported to the KASN. Those who were proven to have violated were 1,596. Of the largest number of complaints that come in for violations on social media, you can like, dislike or take photos with the candidates. Of those cases, 86 percent were sanctioned. From that side there is a significant improvement. This is the most from the previous election which was only 30 percent,” he explained.
Violations like this are often repeated in the next election. According to Agus' estimation, this could happen because it is suspected that there is a mutualism symbiosis between ASN and candidates. Candidates for regional heads have an interest in winning, while ASN has an interest in promotion and promotion. It is in these conditions that the interests of both meet.
Therefore, Agus Pramusinto hopes that ASN will not repeat the same mistakes. There is no need to be afraid of not being used by new leaders if an ASN has competence and integrity. “We expect ASN to be professional in the sense of having integrity and competence. In the context of regional elections and elections, ASN must be neutral or impartial," he told Iqbal Irsyad, Edy Suherli, Savic Rabos and Rifai from VOI who met him at the South Jakarta KASN Office recently. Here's the excerpt.
ASN should actually be neutral when there is a political event, because whoever is the winner in the political contest, the ASN who will be the partner of the politicians in running the government, what has been the reality like?
ASN must be neutral, because they are public servants. When there is an election or an election they must not be attracted by the interests of certain political parties or officials who are candidates. In pilkada and general elections they are only entitled to channel their political rights in the voting booth. The rest of the ASN can't get involved, starting from small things such as support through social media, direct or indirect campaigns, or participating in declarations, it's all been arranged.
Even though it is prohibited, in every election there is always an ASN person who is caught siding with a certain candidate, what about this?
There were 2,034 cases of violations in the regional elections on December 9, 2020, which were reported to KASN. Those who were proven to have violated were 1,596. The biggest violation is on social media, it can be like, dislike or take a photo with the candidate. Of those cases, 86 percent were sanctioned. From that side there is a significant improvement. This is the most from the previous election which was only 30 percent.
There is a serious problem with ASN in the context of this violation, namely that there is a symbiotic mutualism between ASN and candidates. Candidates have an interest in winning, while ASN has an interest in promotion and promotion. In these conditions, the interests of ASN and regional head candidates who take part in the regional head elections meet. The incumbent not only needs votes from the voting booth, but all the resources owned by bureaucrats. Especially those held by officials who can control ASN. For example, the Head of the Agriculture Service, he can be used to mobilize certain areas that can support candidates. Of course, KASN emphasizes that the rules exist and must be enforced. The implications of violating it are also clear. The sanctions start from light (reprimands), which are moderate, such as delays in promotion, to severe having to leave the ASN, for example if you already have a political party membership card.
Were there any cases of ASN being dismissed in the previous election?
In the last regional elections, there were no ASNs who violated the law, such as joining a certain political party. Many have been removed from their positions. For example, a Head of Service has participated in the declaration of a certain political party. The consequences are like that (removed from office).
Earlier, there was an increasing trend of ASN violations in the elections, what steps will KASN take in the future, especially facing the 2024 election?
First, we educate ASN and candidates, it can be officials who come forward again. ASN themselves sometimes don't understand, if they like or dislike a candidate, it's already included in the category of (mild) violation. Massive education through webinars and visits. We also have to make sure that the ASN understands the sanctions that result from the violation. But we hope that there will be a change in the PPK (Pejabat Pembina Kepegawaian) which is currently held by politicians. If there is a change of Regional Head, they will decide. We hope that the PPK is the Regional Secretary, so that they can keep their distance from politics. Even though there are concerns that the Regional Secretary can determine the transfer of officials there is a kind of "twin sun". At least that's one thing we can do.
So far, is it because the sanctions for election violations are light so that they repeat and repeat or are there other problems?
In that area, a person's recommendation to be sanctioned is even used as evidence that he or she does support a certain candidate. Regents or mayors who win sometimes do not carry out sanctions. This is often misunderstood. Sometimes violations if committed by supporters are delayed or ignored, on the contrary if violations are committed by political opponents, they are immediately implemented.
What KASN does is strengthen collaboration with BKN. The PPK are sometimes slow when they are threatened to be blocked and then they move. If it has been blocked, it will be difficult when it will be promoted and when it will retire. There is a SKB between the Menpan-RB, the Minister of Home Affairs, the Head of KASN and the Chair of the Bawaslu. When there is a violation but the PPK does not apply sanctions, we will write to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Furthermore, the Ministry of Home Affairs will write to the regions to implement sanctions on ASN who are proven to have violated.
What is the input from KASN so that the sanctions are actually applied? Our problem so far is indeed weak from law enforcement. KASN can only provide recommendations, without being able to impose sanctions. An ASN who violates the law does not have the right to sit in a certain position. So far, KASN has been like a "toothless tiger". His recommendations are often ignored.
We continue to evaluate the SKB with several Ministries and agencies related to violations committed by ASN and things that need to be corrected. There is one thing that I received from candidates who came from ASN. They are prohibited from approaching ASN, because it is considered a violation of neutrality. However, it is reasonable to do so. The solution, please take an approach as long as you don't use state facilities and don't mobilize ASN. This activity cannot be carried out on weekdays. The rules are like that but the reality is different. This must be discussed again so that the complaints of ASN who will nominate have room to make an approach.
Talking about the mobilization of ASN has been carried out for a long time, now how big is the opportunity for that to be done?
Compared to the previous order, it was clearly much reduced. In the past, mobilizing ASN was done systematically by the authorities. Until the election process was carried out in the office. At that time it could be tracked who did not support the ruling party or the candidate for the government. Now it is rarely found. The incumbent uses a certain Head of Service to direct his program and support his campaign. Provide assistance to farmers who are the source of his voice. It also applies to other fields such as health, education, etc. There is also what happened that the head of the service was asked to help prepare the campaign and participate in the declaration. We must provide continuous understanding that what we do violates neutrality. If you are ready with sanctions please.
KASN has a limited range of motion. If there is a problem, we will discuss it with the Kemenpan-RB, Kemendagri, and Bawaslu. Because KASN enforces existing rules. KASN has no room to make rules. For example, there is a candidate for Regent or Mayor, what about his wife who is an ASN? Then if someone visits the house of a candidate from ASN and his wife serves drinks, is that a violation? It's things like this that come up in debate. Finally, it was suggested that his wife take a leave of absence from the ASN while her husband is participating in the election campaign.
Support is sometimes done secretly, because if you are openly afraid, how will KASN see this?
We are also working with the Cyber Agency and the National Crypto Agency to track down ASNs who commit such violations. But now we are still based on complaints through the neutrality system or through Bawaslu. If we have the tools we will do the monitoring. We are still passive until now, acting still based on complaints.
Ideally, what do you think ASN should look like?
We expect ASN to be professional in the sense of having integrity and competence. In the context of regional elections and elections, ASN must be neutral or impartial. Now the regional head said it was not enough with competence and integrity, but also needed ASN to support it. This is an inappropriate assumption if not voting is considered not to support him. The thing called chemistry is not only for the head of the service, but for the entire organization. In private companies, the same applies. Competence and integrity, whether you know or don't know it doesn't matter. Anyway, the target of the work must be achieved. Direct support or chemistry that doesn't make sense would be an excuse.
Apart from neutrality in the elections, what other violations often occur under KASN's monitoring?
The most about violations of campaigning on social media, the comments are that this candidate is worthy, this candidate deserves to win and so on. So far, such violations are the most common.
Outside the election, are there any violations as well, like what?
There is but rarely, the other day there was an ASN in an agency who wore a uniform very similar to that of a certain party. It is not related to the election but is considered a violation.
In the case of a party cadre who is appointed as Minister, sometimes it is time to share the affairs of the ministry and the party, how about something like this?
A cadre of a certain party who has been trusted by the president to become a minister, should have a high statesman spirit. He must put himself as a statesman. The interests of the state must take precedence over other interests. He may be active for his party, but the interests of the nation and state must be prioritized over the interests of the political party.
What would you say to ASN to always remain neutral?
The ASN should not be pulled here and there, he must be neutral. ASN should not be involved in practical political activities. Sometimes without being withdrawn they are deliberately attached to politicians. This is usually done by ASN whose competence is responsible. So, feel free to participate in open competencies for the office of head of service, regional secretary and so on. The means used by sticking to politicians. So make sure the ASN must be neutral. What must be done is to increase competence. If they have the competence and integrity of whoever is elected in the election, they will be used. The regional head will complete his vision and mission, logically they will choose the best and competent ASN. If you choose people who just support it is tantamount to suicide. Sometimes the regional head is in a dilemma. There is a successful team that often influences him in making policies. The elected regional head wants to return the favor for the good of the community.
Every day we receive to the area 3 to 4 a day. They want to make a change. In changing the ASN it cannot be arbitrary or arbitrary. Please change ASN, but must follow the procedure. If there is a violation, do an inspection. If an ASN is considered not performing, conduct an evaluation. If there is evidence we will not question it, but if there is no evidence (changing ASN positions), we will stand to protect ASN. They have the right to work quietly and not to be politically interfered with.
I think there should be schools for candidates to the regions. When choosing people there are rules. It's the same when changing someone. Regents or to regions that do not have a bureaucratic background sometimes just replace ASN at will. This is dangerous. Six months after taking office, it is not allowed to change officials in the regions unless there is permission from the Minister of Home Affairs. A person who is less than two years old cannot be removed from his position.
Ten Thousand Steps in a Day by Professor Agus Pramusinto
There are many ways to maintain physical health. Head of KASN Prof. Dr. Agus Pramusinto, MDA, by doing walking and running sports. The goal is ten thousand steps in a day.
“I realize that the tough task as the Head of KASN must be maintained by maintaining physical health. Therefore I have to maintain my health by exercising regularly. Like now, what I do is road sports,” said the man who was born in Pemalang, Central Java, 62 years ago.
When asked how many steps of walking exercise he takes in a day, he straightforwardly answers ten thousand steps. He does have a target in doing something including exercising. “My goal is ten thousand steps a day which I divide in the morning, afternoon and evening. After the morning prayer I walked around the house about 3,000 steps. Then after the noon prayer about 3,000 more steps. And the rest I walk again after Isha prayer, "he said.
According to Agus, for the last ten years he has been doing low impact sports such as walking. Previously he still dared to play tennis and badminton.
“I used to do collective sports such as tennis and badminton. It must be together with partners, at least two people. Now I choose light exercise only. And do not have to depend on others. If you walk alone, you don't have to involve other people," said a bachelor's degree majoring in Public Administration, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Gadjah Mada University (1989).
By exercising alone, for Agus, including how to maintain self-motivation. That exercise does not have to depend on others. You can do it yourself. The important thing is that there is an intention to keep moving and make the body healthy.
"I once read a book. That people who are able to consistently exercise without having to involve other people are people who are able to control themselves. And such a person has the potential to become a good leader or a good leader,” said Agus, who completed his master's degree in Development Administration, Faculty of National Center for Development Studies / NCDS, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia (1997).
Food
In addition to exercising, the next way to maintain health that Agus does is to maintain food intake in sufficient portions, not excessive. "When asked whether there are foods that are abstained, thank God, there are not yet. However, as before, in exercising, I limit the weight, I also reduce food intake so that it is maintained in sufficient portions,” he explained.
And the processing of the food eaten is also important for Agus. He now eats more food that is processed by boiling or steaming. "I now eat vegetables and other foods that are cooked by steaming or boiling," continued the man who completed his doctoral degree in Policy and Governance, Faculty of Economics and Government, Asia Pacific / APSEG, at the Australian National University, Canberra, Australia (2005) .
It turns out that there is something that motivates Agus to maintain health and maintain food intake, which is an annual event that is held every birthday at the alma mater and where he teaches. "At UGM every year a general check-up is carried out. From there you can see how much blood sugar, uric acid, cholesterol and so on. And I always have high cholesterol levels, that's why I started self-limiting,” he said.
According to the doctor, still said Agaus, high cholesterol levels are not only from food, but also from workload. "The doctor said a high workload can also cause increased cholesterol and emotions," he said.
To control his emotions, Agus chose to do a voluntary fasting Monday-Thursday. “I try as much as possible to control the emotions that help control cholesterol by trying fasting Mondays and Thursdays. Fasting is expected to reduce emotions and further reduce cholesterol levels," he said.
The concept implemented by the Professor of Public Administration, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, UGM is to prevent before it occurs or prevent before the disease is present. “Alhamdulillah, until this age I have never been hospitalized for a serious illness. So far I have had a cough and a cold. Hopefully this condition can continue to be maintained until the next, "hope Agus Pramusinto.
“We expect ASN to be professional in the sense of having integrity and competence. In the context of regional elections and elections, ASN must be neutral or impartial. If they have the competence and integrity of whoever is elected in the election, they will be used. The regional head will complete his vision and mission. Logically, they will choose the best and competent ASN,"
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