Facilities Not Complete, Transfer of ASN to IKN Considered Hasty

The transfer of ASN to the Indonesian capital was considered too hasty and without thorough study.

KOMPAS/FAKHRI FADLURROHMAN

State civil servants check their work on computer screens at the DKI Jakarta City Hall Building, Tuesday (16/4/2024).

JAKARTA, KOMPAS - The relocation of civil servants to the new capital city of the archipelago is considered too hasty as the supporting facilities available are still minimal. Allowances and even anthropological studies are not yet available to strengthen the reasons for the relocation. This unpreparedness is predicted to cause problems in the future.

In the initial stage, the government will transfer 11,916 state civil servants (ASN) from 38 ministries/institutions, followed by 6,774 ASN from 29 ministries/institutions and 14,237 ASN from 59 ministries/institutions. The transfer schedule is planned after the RI's 79th Birthday ceremony at IKN or in September.

According to public policy observer Agus Pambagio, the transfer of ASN to IKN took place hastily and without thorough study. The government's plan to move some of its employees to IKN is considered a mere formality to fulfill its ambitions.

"The relocation to IKN is indeed necessary, but it cannot be rushed. Details such as what will be eaten there? Is there any entertainment or not? If there is a disaster, what will happen? The availability of education facilities and others must be considered," said Agus when contacted from Jakarta on Wednesday (April 17, 2024).

Also read: ASN who move to IKN in September get apartments and pioneer allowance

KOMPAS/PRAYOGI DWI SULISTYO

Public Policy Observer Agus Pambagio

The location of the homes of civil servants in relation to shopping centers, culinary options, and educational facilities for their children must be considered. Agus gave an example of children of civil servants who also have to change schools. If they do not move or choose to stay in their old house, civil servants need to dig deeper into their pockets to meet their needs.

Also read: In the Midst of IKN Development, the Government is Urged to Recognize Indigenous Communities in East Kalimantan

In addition, further studies are needed regarding indigenous populations such as the Dayak and Balik tribes, as well as native animals that still roam the area. Anthropological studies are important to observe the potential for conflict between the presence of civil servants and workers with indigenous populations and wildlife.

The transfer to IKN is necessary, but it should not be rushed.

"Moreover, the government has not been able to confirm the allowances and other details. I think ASN (government officials) are also forced to move because they are bound by an oath. This is also related to the phenomenon of central government officials moving to regions and even choosing to resign," said Agus.

KOMPAS/FAKHRI FADLURROHMAN

Rows of construction of houses for ministerial positions in the Nusantara Capital area, East Kalimantan, Saturday (30/12/2023).

Agus compares the relocation of civil servants to someone wanting to buy a house, which cannot be rushed. Those who buy a house certainly consider potential disasters, facilities, neighbors, and other factors.

Divided focus

The performance of civil servants who move to IKN is considered ineffective. Aside from the divided focus between Jakarta and IKN, employees also need to adapt to a new environment. "Their work won't be effective. What will they do there? Divided, one in Jakarta, one in IKN," he said, referring to the employees.

Also read: President: IKN Development to Change Mindset to Be Competitive

Minister of State Apparatus Empowerment and Reform Bureaucracy Abdullah Azwar Anas said that the scenario of moving ASN to IKN was one of President Joko Widodo's orders so that the process of moving the capital city would not be slow as happened in Australia and Brazil.

"This transfer adjusts the availability of housing and IKN infrastructure," said Azwar Anas.

KOMPAS/SUCIPTO

View of one corner of a construction worker's residence in the Indonesian capital, Wednesday (31/5/2023).

ASN who move to IKN at the initial design stage will receive pioneer allowance. However, the nominal value of the benefit scheme will only be determined after a limited meeting.

This transfer adjusts to the availability of housing and IKN infrastructure.

In addition to allowances, each employee will also receive one housing unit or official apartment. Regarding the progress of readiness for housing, the Ministry of Public Works and People’s Housing is targeting the construction of 47 towers by 2024. Each tower will contain 60 units, with an area of 98 square meters per unit. A total of 29 towers will be occupied by civil servants, while 18 towers will be for the military and police. Civil servants will receive 1,240 units out of the total 2,820 units, with the remainder going to the military and police (Kompas.id, 17/4/2024).