Civil Servants : Serving or Simply Working?

Employment is essential to human life, serving as a means to achieve personal goals and improve one's standard of living. In Indonesia, the high demand for job opportunities has intensified competition, with education often seen as a path to better employment. However, some people achieve financial success without advanced education. Regardless of educational attainment, the need for a stable income, particularly in retirement, is a significant concern.

Becoming a civil servant (PNS) is a popular choice in Indonesia due to its stable income and retirement benefits. As outlined in Law 15 of 2014, civil servants are expected to serve the public and receive salaries, allowances, and pension benefits. This stability attracts many Indonesians to apply for these roles. In 2014, 2.6 million applicants competed for civil servant positions; by 2024, this number had risen to 3.9 million. 

Being a civil servant ideally signifies dedication to public service, but some individuals join the civil service primarily for financial security. The Indonesian Corruption Watch (ICW) reported in 2023 that 645 (38%) of the 1,695 suspects in corruption cases were civil servants, raising questions about the current motivations and mindset of civil servants.

To foster a culture of true public service, the government must create systems that emphasize the importance of dedication over financial benefits. According to WJS Poerwodarminto, devotion implies self-sacrifice, loyalty, and love for one's work. This ideal is embedded in the Panca Prasetya Korpri, which emphasizes loyalty to the nation. Realizing these principles in daily work would likely reduce violations among civil servants.

A strong work ethic, as defined by Usman Pelly, is shaped by cultural values and personal characteristics. Instilling these values across all government levels requires effective leadership. Leaders in every administrative level should motivate employees and lead by example, instilling a mindset of public service through consistent guidance. When top leaders adopt a service-oriented mindset, it creates a positive domino effect, influencing mid-level and lower-level managers alike.

With a commitment to service, civil servants can enhance their performance, resulting in better public services and higher public trust. Work should not merely be a means to earn an income; it is also an avenue to affirm one's dignity and self-worth. As Mochtar Lubis discussed in Manusia Indonesia, some aspects of Indonesian society's work culture have been characterized by complacency and a lack of accountability. Addressing these cultural issues and instilling a dedication-oriented mindset in leadership is vital for a transformation within the public sector.

For Indonesia's civil service to embody a spirit of public service, change must start from the top. A leadership example of genuine dedication can create an inspiring domino effect throughout all levels of civil service, driving each individual to fulfill their role as devoted servants of the nation.