CSIS Study on Implementation of Merit-based Recruitment for Civil Servants

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During November, CSIS published a KSI-supported study on the readiness to implement a merit-based system for senior civil servants. This was mandated by the 2014 Civil Service Law, using case studies from the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Civil Service Agency (BKN) and the West Java Provincial Government. The study was commissioned to be used as a main reference for: (i) a draft Ministerial Decree on the implementation of a merit-based system for government bodies at national and sub-national level; and (ii) a KASN Regulation on the measurement of the implementation of the merit system. Main findings and recommendations from the study include: (a) Most government institutions have challenges assessing external candidates – of the four case studies, only BKN shortlisted external candidates. The study identifies a need to develop skills, competency and/or capacity to work cross-sectorally, such as diplomacy, financial systems, strategic planning, etc. (b) The role of the selection panel is critical in shortlisting the top three candidates. The study identified existing problems of the selection panel, including a lack of mechanism or guidelines for establishing the selection panel team. There is also a general lack of competence and track record of selection panel members. The study recommends different ways in which the quality of selection panel members can be improved, including training, certification and improved budget allocations.