PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The State Civil Apparatus (ASN) of the Bandung City Education Office (Disdik) held a neutrality pledge in order to welcome the 2024 simultaneous regional elections which will be held on November 27.

This pledge was held to ensure that ASN maintains the principle of neutrality during the election process, as regulated in Law Number 20 of 2023 concerning State Civil Apparatus.

Acting Head of Bandung City Education Office Tantan Syurya Santana said that 8,921 ASN working in Bandung City Education Office stated that they would be neutral in the upcoming 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections. This number covers 60 percent of the total ASN of Bandung City Government (Pemkot).

Tantan emphasized the importance of ASN to distance themselves from practical political activities in order to maintain professionalism and integrity.

"We, ASN in the Bandung City Education Office are committed to being impartial, avoiding conflicts of interest, and using social media wisely during the Pilkada period. This is in accordance with the mandate of the law which requires ASN to be neutral," said Tantan at the Bandung City Education Office, Wednesday (2/10/2024).

During the event, an oath was taken that emphasized four main points for ASN, namely maintaining neutrality, avoiding intimidation practices, using social media wisely, and rejecting all forms of money politics.

After the pronunciation, the event continued with the symbolic signing of the neutrality pledge, followed by the pinning of a symbolic pin as a sign of commitment.

On that occasion, Acting Mayor of Bandung A. Koswara reminded that ASN neutrality is not just a formality, but a moral responsibility.

"ASN neutrality does not mean being apathetic. ASN must remain proactive in protecting the environment and encouraging community participation in the Pilkada. We must adhere to the rule of law and not get involved in group political interests," he said.

Koswara also emphasized that ASN neutrality is very important to maintain justice and transparency in the regional elections.

"If ASN is not neutral, it can damage the democratic order and create injustice in the election process. Therefore, this neutrality is very crucial to ensure that the Pilkada runs fairly and produces trustworthy leaders," he said.

At the end of the event, Koswara hoped that this neutrality pledge could be a good example for society.

"As educators and civil servants, ASN are expected to be able to be role models in maintaining integrity and professionalism during the 2024 Pilkada process," he said.

The event went smoothly and was attended by virtual participants, and also featured outstanding students who were winners at the West Java provincial and national levels as a symbol of the spirit of education in maintaining neutrality and integrity.