ASN Must Realise Sustainable and Equitable Development, Says AHY
The Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), has emphasised that civil servants (ASN) must be capable of realising sustainable and equitable development to reduce regional disparities across Indonesia.
AHY delivered this message during a public lecture to students of the Institute of Home Affairs (IPDN) in Jatinangor, Sumedang, on Thursday (18/6). According to him, IPDN graduates, as future local government officials, will hold a strategic role in ensuring the even distribution of development across various regions.
“The keywords are sustainable yet equitable development, meaning it must be widespread. Because today, regional disparities still persist,” said AHY.
He stated that students must possess a comprehensive understanding of national development challenges and priorities before undertaking their duties as state servants. Upon completing their education, they will be deployed to various regions in Indonesia and directly involved in the policy-making process.
“We hope that IPDN students, who will eventually become state servants, possess a complete understanding of the nation’s challenges today and in the future, and are capable of presenting policies that truly side with the community,” he said.
AHY acknowledged that the issues facing the public are becoming increasingly complex and cannot be resolved instantly. However, with a foundation of knowledge and field experience, he is optimistic that young officials will be able to face these various challenges.
APPRECIATION FOR IPDN STUDENTS
On this occasion, AHY also expressed his appreciation for the involvement of IPDN students in disaster management, including their assistance to communities affected by the Senyar tropical cyclone in Aceh Tamiang, which caused flash floods and landslides.
“They are in the field when roads are damaged, bridges are broken, and communities are isolated. They strive to reduce the burden on the people. This is a very valuable asset for them when they receive their future assignments,” he said.
Regarding disaster management, AHY explained that the government implements measured steps, prioritising the rescue and evacuation of victims during the emergency response phase. Subsequently, the government carries out the rehabilitation and reconstruction of basic infrastructure in parallel.
“The repair of damaged roads, broken bridges, and residents’ houses is carried out immediately and in parallel. Local governments, through the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), work alongside technical ministries at the central level, such as the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Housing and Residential Areas, ATR/BPN, and the Ministry of Transportation—everyone is moving. We also continue to monitor the evaluation and recapitulation of impacts, such as the recent disaster in Central Sulawesi,” said AHY.
ABILITY TO NAVIGATE CONTEXTS
At the same event, the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Bima Arya, reminded IPDN students to maintain the ability to position themselves amidst political dynamics without neglecting their duties as public servants.
“There is one point entrusted by the Coordinating Minister that we believe is very valuable; the Minister entrusted that these students be capable of positioning themselves appropriately within political situations,” said Bima.
According to the former Mayor of Bogor, prospective civil servants must understand political developments wisely, while remaining committed to their primary duties and functions. “They must be wise enough to understand existing dynamics without abandoning their responsibilities,” he said.
Bima added that future regional leaders must not be blind to political realities but must balance this with strong bureaucratic competence. “They must balance it with strong bureaucratic competence,” he concluded.