Clearly, it is about neutrality of state officials in the elections."
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The government will soon issue a circular that regulates neutrality of state officials in the simultaneous regional head elections, Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform Minister Yuddy Chrisnandi stated.

"The circular is being drafted. Clearly, it is about neutrality of state officials in the elections," the minister noted here on Thursday.

Chrisnandi admitted that the neutrality of state officials in elections has been regulated under Law No. 23 on Regional Autonomy that prohibits state officials from getting involved in campaigns or being part of a campaign team of any election candidate. Moreover, Government Regulation No. 53 of 2010 on the discipline of civil servants has also been set up.

According to the minister, the circular that will be issued aims to remind state officials and related parties of the existence of the rules.

"The circular is to ensure that the rules are followed properly and to refresh the memory of state officials and relevant parties to not include state officials in election campaign activities," he remarked.

The minister emphasized that the sanctions imposed on state officials involved in the elections will be in accordance with the applicable law. The state officials who are involved in elections will be charged with moderate to severe level of violation.

He pointed out that the moderate sanctions will lead to a delay in regular salary allowances, postponement of performance payments, and delays in advancements and promotions.

Meanwhile, severe sanctions that will be imposed include dismissal from office, demotion by one level, honorable or dishonorable discharge, and ineligibility for pension.

(Reported by Rangga Pandu Asmara Jingga/T.A071/INE/KR-BSR/F001)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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