Civil servants and politics

Civil servants and politics

From Pikiran Rakyat

It has been widely discussed whether civil servants can join
or become a member of the executive board of a political party.
In my opinion, we need to be pragmatic, to the effect that every
citizen must be given a fair chance and freedom to channel
his/her aspirations. It is much to be desired, without wasting
time and energy, that civil servants should have the
unconditional right to vote for and to join any party of their
choice. However, many are anxious about the possibility that
something negative will happen to those civil servants who are
active in a certain political party.

In doing their work, the achievements of civil servants are
assessed and used as a consideration for job promotions. So every
employee makes great efforts to be eligible for such a promotion.
Despite that internal situation, it is my fervent hope that civil
servants are allowed to join a political party because every
citizen has the right as well as the responsibility to contribute
to his/her country. And there is nothing to fear since civil
servants will not be equipped with arms, even though they are
members of a political party.

SUDRAJAT

Tasikmalaya, West Java