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