The Head of the National Civil Service Agency (BKN), Zudan Arif Fakrulloh, emphasized that the State Civil Apparatus (ASN) recruitment process is now fully integrated with technological systems that minimize room for intervention. This addresses public concerns regarding potential practices of insider favors often associated with public office selection processes.
Zudan revealed that he had experienced pressure from important officials to pass certain individuals in the selection process. However, these requests had to be rejected because no individual can manipulate any stage of the selection process now. "I was even scolded by an official for rejecting an insider request, but I stressed that this system is completely closed off from individual interference," Zudan stated during a working meeting with Committee I of the DPD RI.
This transparency is made possible through the implementation of Computer Based Test (CBT) and Computer Assisted Test (CAT) systems. With these methods, participants' test results can be accessed in *real time* immediately after completion, thereby closing loopholes for score manipulation or other fraud. This accountable system is the main reason why ASN passing standards feel stricter for applicants.
Furthermore, Zudan emphasized that these rules apply to everyone, with no exception for the families of BKN internal staff. According to him, it is not uncommon for family members of BKN employees themselves to have to attempt the selection multiple times to prove their competence without the help of special channels. "Even 'insiders' cannot penetrate this system," he stressed.
Data from BKN shows that the passing rate for the 2024–2025 period reached only 6.3 percent of total applicants. This high level of competition reflects that ASN selection now relies purely on individual capability, in line with the government's commitment to creating a clean and merit-based bureaucracy.
