Home Affairs Minister Demands Clean, Transparent Recruitment at IPDN

Home Affairs Minister (Mendagri) Tito Karnavian has urged the Institute of Public Administration (IPDN) to maintain a clean and transparent recruitment system. He made the statement during a briefing for prospective graduates in Jatinangor, Sumedang, West Java, on Wednesday (22/7).

Tito stated that a transparent and accountable admissions process is crucial for the institution’s sustainability. He believes such measures can significantly boost overall organisational performance. “Flawed recruitment accounts for 60 percent of failure. Correct recruitment accounts for 60 percent of an organisation’s success,” he said in a written statement on Wednesday (22/7).

On the occasion, Tito reminded all relevant ranks to avoid bribery practices. He warned that transactional practices in admissions would severely damage the institution’s quality and ultimately harm the entire organisation. “I do not want any payments. If there are any, I will certainly take firm action. There is no playing around like that because it will harm the organisation,” he said.

Tito then conducted a random check to directly test the transparency of the educational process. He called ten of the best prospective graduates onto the stage for a casual chat. This step was taken to ensure that high-achieving graduates do not only come from certain backgrounds. Facts on the ground show that many outstanding cadets come from working-class families and low-ranking military and police personnel.

“I feel proud of IPDN, meaning the teaching and learning process is correct. There are children of labourers, ordinary people, and low-ranking TNI-Polri personnel,” he remarked. He noted that this condition is similar to the graduation process in the previous year, where most of the top graduates also came from lower-middle-class backgrounds.

The pure, bribery-free system makes the government feel relieved and proud of this educational institution. Learning opportunities are open to all the nation’s sons and daughters equally. “Last year I still remember, nine out of ten [of the best graduates came] from the low middle class. Here it is truly pure, there is no bribery. That is what makes me come here with a relieved heart,” Tito concluded.

For information, IPDN will inaugurate a total of 1,204 cadets from various regions in Indonesia this year. The cohort consists of 728 men and 476 women.