Still some hope for the bureaucracy<\/p>\n
Prijono Tjiptoherijanto, Head, State Civil Service Agency (BKN), Jakarta<\/p>\n
President Megawati Soekarnoputri has complained more than once
\nabout the bureaucracy. Even in the New Order period, ministers
\ncomplained about the bad performance of their subordinates. Many
\nwere \"free loaders\", receiving salaries without displaying
\nsignificant performance.<\/p>\n
The crucial role of the bureaucracy is not supported by
\nresponsible and capable bureaucrats. Thailand's recovery from its
\neconomic crisis in less than three years proves the high quality
\nof Thai bureaucrats.<\/p>\n
Malaysia's ability to largely escape economic problems shows
\nthat the bureaucrats are quite clean and efficient. Its
\nbureaucracy has even been entrusted with the management of quite
\nbig private funds from social insurance, tithe and alms.<\/p>\n
The ability of a government to succeed depends much on the
\nquality and capability of its bureaucrats. According to a World
\nBank' survey in The East Asia Miracle, a transparent civil
\nservant selection and recruitment system, and the promotion and
\nrotation system that ensures \"the right man in the right place\"
\nand public accountability guarantee the success of a bureaucracy.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately these three factors are rarely found in Asian
\ncountries, especially in East Asia. Selection and recruitment run
\nbased on the \"marriage system\" -- instead of the merit system.<\/p>\n
Nepotism is still rife in the selection of new civil servants
\nand in the promotion for certain posiations. Promotion and
\nrotation or transfer to other departments are often used as a
\nmeans of removing unwanted officials because they are regarded as
\ntroublemakers. They are promoted to high but unimportant
\npositions without subordinates or authority.<\/p>\n
Awareness about public rights is not the bureaucracy's main
\nagenda. Many decisions ignore public interests and services.
\nTrain tickets, boat and bus tickets are often sold out before the
\nticket counters open. Railway officials' reluctance to reveal the
\nnumber of vacant seats indicates their tendency to back scalpers.
\nThe transfer of policemen who have persevered in eradicating drug
\ntraffickers by their superiors suggests that responsibility for
\npublic interests is still an illusion.<\/p>\n
Such disorder must be addressed. Attention should be given to
\nselection and recruitment systems. The recruitment of new civil
\nservants, including the necessary prerequisites and
\nqualifications, should be announced transparently.<\/p>\n
Selection tests should be general, simultaneous and
\ntransparent, and evaluated by independent appraisers from the
\npublic including professionals or academicians who are neutral
\nand free of collusion.<\/p>\n
Promotion and transfers should be transparent. Those who are
\nshifted to other assignments or other locations should have the
\nright to state their objection. Prerequisites should be focused
\nmore on education and skill instead of age and position. It is
\nalso necessary to consider the impact of public policy. Every new
\nregulation needs academic arguments. There must be no thirst of
\npower that can stimulate conflict and factions.<\/p>\n
Urgent necessary measures should start with the collection of
\ndata that can indicate the quality and skill of every government
\napparatus. Such efforts indeed require large funds -- but if such
\nsteps are taken soon, the result of the huge task of improving
\nthe bureaucracy may be enjoyed in the coming three or four years.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/still-some-hope-for-the-bureaucracy-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}