Who can dismiss civil servants?

Who can dismiss civil servants?

From Media Indonesia

Head of the State Personnel Agency (BKN) Hardjanto has said
his institution is not authorized to dismiss civil servants (PNS)
joining political parties as executives and members. The latest
data shows that over 1,000 PNS have become party activists and
legislative candidates.

Based on the relevant government regulation promulgated in
1999, BKN administratively issues civil servants identity numbers
(NIP). Therefore, it is widely believed that BKN is in a position
to dishonorably discharge PNS who fail to report their
involvement and activities in political parties.

Hardjanto, however, explained that PNS engaged in such
activities may be dismissed by governors, or mayors, or regents,
as their superiors. This is based on the system of
decentralization or regional autonomy, in which the central
government has no authority to fire PNS for being party
activists.

In fact, PNS have the right to attend political parties'
campaigns as passive listeners and study politics without
practicing politics. The neutrality of PNS should be maintained
in welcoming the campaign period and the general election of
2004.

VALERY SETIAWAN
Bengkulu