Good Governance

Bureaucratic Reform Training for Civil Servants

FNF Indonesia and the Institute of Empowerment Movement (LEGEPE) organized a highly impactful Training of Bureaucratic Reform for Civil Servants in Ungaran, Central Java on May 25-26, 2023. The training received overwhelming participation, with 51 civil servants from various government institutions, including resource persons, facilitators, and organizers.

Bureaucratic Reform stands as a key pillar among the president's top 5 priorities for the 2019-2024 term. Aligned with the focus cooperation of FNF and LEGEPE, this training in Central Java embodies their shared commitment to fostering good governance. Notably, the provincial government, led by Governor Ganjar Pranowo, has made significant strides in implementing successful bureaucratic reform initiatives. Central Java Province has earned the prestigious Predicate A award for Bureaucratic Reform an impressive five times, solidifying its reputation as a province in Indonesia with an exemplary commitment to high-quality bureaucratic reform.

While acknowledging the achievements thus far, it is essential to recognize that continuous steps and concerted efforts are still necessary to further enhance the state of bureaucratic reform. By striving for continuous improvement, it is possible to elevate the current Predicate A status to the esteemed level of AA. This commitment to progress underscores the determination of all stakeholders involved to ensure the sustained advancement of bureaucratic reform in Central Java and beyond.

During the training session, the esteemed resource persons provided invaluable insights into enhancing the communication strategy of civil servants and its profound impact on democratic reform in Central Java province. Warsito Ellwein, the coordinator of LEGEPE, elaborated on the strategic importance of bureaucratic reform as a means to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the state apparatus in fulfilling government duties and driving national development.

Warsito emphasized the significance of incorporating local cultural values into the work of civil servants, presenting it as a powerful communication strategy. For instance, he highlighted the value of utilizing the local language in public services to improve their efficiency, particularly for older individuals who are more comfortable with their native tongue. By adopting such an approach, civil servants can forge stronger connections with the community and ultimately contribute to the advancement of democratic reform in Central Java Province.

On the other hand, Ida Budhiati, a senior member of the General Election Commission, shed light on the crucial link between local values and the communication strategy of civil servants. She underscored the role of cultural values and regional wisdom in fostering democratic growth. Recognizing that formal bureaucratic reform can benefit from cultural exploration, Ida advocated for the integration of Javanese cultural values, such as confidence, achievement, patience, and cooperation, within the bureaucracy.

Following the insightful sessions with the resource persons, the participants actively engaged in group discussions, delving into the following thought-provoking topics:

1. What advantages do civil servants and society gain from Central Java's bureaucratic reform?
2. How can the bureaucracy effectively perform its roles and duties to meet the community's needs and contribute to prosperity?
3. In what ways do open communication and accessible information enhance the effectiveness and promotion of bureaucratic tasks in public services?
4. What notable accomplishments have been made through Central Java's bureaucratic reform, and how can these achievements be sustained and further progressed in the future?

The training concluded on a practical note, with participants collaborating across institutions to develop action plans focused on crucial areas such as food security, healthcare, social welfare, and infrastructure development.

By fostering meaningful discussions and encouraging interdisciplinary cooperation, the training aimed to empower civil servants with the knowledge and insights needed to navigate the challenges and opportunities of bureaucratic reform in Central Java. Through their collective action plans, the participants demonstrated their commitment to translating the training's learnings into tangible initiatives that would positively impact the lives of the people they serve, especially on food, health, infrastructure, and social programs.