Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Opening of the 9th National Conference of the Indonesian Civil Servant Corps (KORPRI) 2022, from Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java Province, January 28, 2022
Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.
Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,
May prosperity be upon us all,
Om Swastiastu,
Namo Buddhaya,
Greetings of Virtue.
Distinguished Ministers of the Indonesia Onward Cabinet;
Distinguished Chairperson of the National KORPRI Management Board and all the ranks;
Distinguished KORPRI Board of Directors in Ministries and Institutions;
Distinguished KORPRI Board of Directors at the provincial, regency and city levels, as well as all members of KORPRI wherever they are assigned;
Ladies and Gentlemen, Esteemed Guests.
First of all, I would like to extend my highest gratitude and appreciation to all KORPRI members wherever they are, who carry out their duties with dedication and loyalty to realize the presence of the state in the communities through service and dedication.
As the front line of bureaucratic reforms, KORPRI must be adaptive to respond to any changes; provide solutions to various national problems; shift bureaucratic complexity into fast, efficient, and result-oriented work; reshuffle an organization that is full of partitions and sectoral egos and turn it into a solid and fluid team; and form an adaptive, agile, and swift organization. The 9th KORPRI National Conference must be used as a momentum to speed up the transformation of KORPRI into a more modern and professional State Civil Apparatus (ASN) Corps.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
KORPRI is currently faced with a fast-changing world, technology that causes disruption in all aspects of life, and high public expectations [for public services]. The public needs innovative programs, creative and quick solutions to solve various existing problems.
To that end, I would like to highlight four things that deserve our attention.
First, KORPRI must be able to invite and encourage all ASN to have the same orientation, including providing the best service for the public. ASN must also have a spirit of serving the public instead of being served by the public. This may sound cliché but it is very important and fundamental because the ASN has been in the comfort zone for a very long time. They have been shackled by the cultural heritage of feudal bureaucracy, making them less productive. We must change such culture completely. Indonesian ASN must get out of their comfort zone to become modern and professional.
Second, all resources and powers granted by the state to the ASN must be used in an accountable manner. The authority must be utilized as much as possible for the benefit and empowerment of the people. Bureaucracy means that we do not only have to be present in the communities, yet the presence has a real impact on them, that is important. We must also provide solutions to the public issues, protect and foster the people, as well as fulfill people’s rights in accordance with the mandate of the constitution.
Third, in the age of disruption, I urge all KORPRI members to adapt to changes. Improving their competence to become trendsetters instead of being just followers. They must also be open and eliminate all egos, be it sectoral, regional, or science egos since many problems cannot be solved by one office, one region, one ministry, one certain institution, and even one discipline.
The collaboration across organizations, across regions, across sciences, across professions is the key to facing future challenges. With technological advancements, there is no tolerance for complicated and slow services. Do not stick with old ways, immediately apply new ways instead, make the most of technology, and implement e-government. Technology has enabled services to be carried out faster and more accurately.
Fourth, KORPRI must continue to be a pivotal node of national unity and integrity. We must be aware that our country is a pluralistic country home to various ethnic groups, religions, and cultures. The members of KORPRI are also diverse from all corners of the country. Therefore, KORPRI must serve as the force that unites the nation to build a harmonious order of life for the Indonesian people.
All members of KORPRI that I am proud of,
Let me reiterate once more that the most important thing is a change in values and culture, something that is not just written on paper. However, the change should be transformed into the work ethic of our bureaucracy so it becomes real and can be felt by the communities. The change in bureaucratic work ethic requires a good ecosystem. Both bureaucratic system and its governance must be continuously improved. The ASN needs to be facilitated by a smart, comfortable, and productive work environment. We also need a lot of smart ASN. We need to hone superior talents through high quality and world-standard education and training to create ASN with integrity, professionalism, innovation, and creativity.
I am convinced that through consistent bureaucratic reforms, the ASN will be able to provide excellent service for the public across the country.
That concludes my remarks.
And by saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, I hereby declare the 9th National Conference of KORPRI 2022 open.
I thank you.
Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Om santi santi santi om.
Namo Buddhaya.
(RIF/MUR)