ASN Must Realise Sustainable and Equitable Development, Says AHY

Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) has stressed that the state civil apparatus (ASN) must be capable of realising sustainable and equitable development to reduce inter-regional disparities in Indonesia. The message was delivered by AHY during a public lecture to cadets of the Institute of Domestic Governance (IPDN) in Jatinangor, Sumedang, on Thursday. According to him, IPDN graduates, as future civil administrators, will hold a strategic role in delivering equitable development across various regions. “The key words are sustainable but also equitable development, meaning it must be evenly distributed. Because today, regional disparities still occur,” AHY said. He stated that the cadets must have a comprehensive understanding of national development challenges and priorities before carrying out their duties as public servants. After completing their education, they will be stationed in various regions of Indonesia and be directly involved in the policy-making process. “We hope that IPDN cadets, who will eventually become public servants, have a complete understanding of the nation’s challenges today and in the future, and are able to deliver policies that truly side with the people,” he said. AHY acknowledged that the problems faced by society are increasingly complex and cannot be solved instantly. However, with the provision of knowledge and field experience, he is optimistic that the young civil administrators will be able to face these various challenges. In the same opportunity, AHY also expressed appreciation for the involvement of IPDN cadets in disaster management, including their assistance to communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Senyar in Aceh Tamiang, which caused flash floods and landslides. “They were on the ground when roads were damaged, bridges collapsed, and communities were isolated. They tried to ease the burden on the people. This is a very valuable asset for them when they receive their assignments later,” he said. Regarding disaster management, AHY explained that the government implements measured steps by prioritising the rescue and evacuation of victims during the emergency response phase. Subsequently, the government simultaneously carries out the rehabilitation and reconstruction of basic infrastructure. “Repairs to damaged roads, broken bridges, and residents’ homes are immediately undertaken in parallel. Regional governments, through BPBD, work together with technical ministries at the central level, such as the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Housing and Settlement Areas, the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning, and the Ministry of Transportation, all are moving. We also continue to monitor the evaluation and recapitulation of impacts, such as the recent disaster in Central Sulawesi,” AHY stated. On the same occasion, Deputy Home Minister Bima Arya reminded the IPDN cadets to possess the ability to position themselves amidst political dynamics without neglecting their duties as public servants. “There is one thing entrusted by the Coordinating Minister which we consider very valuable, namely that the Coordinating Minister hopes these cadets will be sufficiently capable of positioning themselves in political situations,” Bima said. According to the former Mayor of Bogor, prospective ASN must understand political developments wisely, but remain steadfast in their main duties and functions. “Be wise enough and able to understand the existing dynamics without relinquishing responsibility for what is their obligation,” he added. Bima added that the future civil administrators who will lead regions must not be blind to political realities, but must balance this with strong bureaucratic competence.