Abstract:
This study aims to identify the neutrality of the bureaucracy in the regional election using a descriptive
qualitative approach. It used secondary data from media, scientific articles, government websites, and
the Election Supervisory Board. The results showed that the neutrality of the bureaucracy was
problematic. The neutrality aspect in politics showed violations committed by the state civil apparatus
(ASN) and mobilization of employees and honorary employees in all agencies that benefit the
incumbent. In the aspect of decision making and policy, it showed conflicts of interest in the internal
bureaucracy, where the bureaucracy is preoccupied with political conflicts of interest affecting the
effectiveness and efficiency of public services. Then, in the aspect of neutrality in public services,
there were two models of service. First, quick and precise services for family, relatives, groups of
political officials, or the incumbent. Second, service discrimination against the community, groups,
and certain individuals who do not take the side of the incumbent, meaning that the services tend to be
convoluted and very procedural. The last aspect is the existence of uneven and unfair career
development activities due to other influencing factors, for example, differences or similarities in
ethnicity, race, religion, customs, and political views. Further, promotion or transfer of position was
carried out unilaterally based on the closeness, partisanship, involvement, appeals, and calls to win the
incumbent, and is not transparent. Therefore, this current study recommends the aspect of law
enforcement and the elimination of Personnel Development Officer (PPK) as an element to measure
neutrality in regional elections. It is considered crucial to creating a professional and accountable
bureaucracy which upholds the principle of neutrality |
