Inspectorate Calls ASN Balikpapan Allegedly Violating Netrality, Bawaslu Will Be Handled If Proven

Illustration. A number of ASN signatures on banners related to ASN neutrality in elections during CFD in Makassar, South Sulawesi. (ANTARA-Darwin Fatir)

The Balikpapan City Government Inspectorate clarified a state civil servant (ASN) of the Balikpapan City Government regarding the issue of neutrality violations at the general election stages that spread on social media.

"Regarding the alleged violation, the Inspectorate's friends started clarifying the person concerned yesterday," said Balikpapan City Secretary (Sekkot) Muhaimin in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan (Kaltim), Tuesday, November 14, confiscated by Antara.

According to Muhaimin, because this is just an allegation, evidence and clarification are still needed.

Muhaimin said, in this case the Inspectorate in the initial search also prioritized the principle of presumption of innocence.

"Later, after the search results from the Inspectorate are complete, we will tell whether the alleged violations were true or not," he said.

Muhaimin also emphasized that currently his party is just waiting for the results of the work of the Inspectorate on the case.

If strong evidence is found then it is the turn of the Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) to provide recommendations for the actions concerned.

Muhaimin also once again reminded and emphasized that ASN should not be practical in politics. ASN is a civil servant and a public servant, therefore its political direction follows the direction of state politics.

"Therefore, ASN must be neutral in the implementation of elections, be it legislative elections, presidential elections, especially later in regional head elections," said the City Secretary.

In fact, an appeal has also been issued not to issue or display certain finger or hand signs when taking pictures. Therefore, while this election season for ASN is prohibited from displaying thumbs up, one index, two index fingers, and the middle finger in all its variations, three thumbs, pointings, and understanding.

"All you can do is push your hands. This is to emphasize the neutrality of ASN," said Muhaimin.