Indonesian Public Servants have been told they must devise new systems to ensure uninterrupted working during the Coronavirus pandemic as they return to work under a ‘new normal’.
The ‘new normal’ has become a slogan for the Government as it seeks to allow people to return to work despite a pandemic curve that has shown no signs of flattening.
Minister for Administrative and Bureaucracy Reforms, Tjahjo Kumolo said Joko Widodo had instructed Provinces, Districts and cities to gradually start the new systems for Public Servants in Ministries, State Agencies and Local Government offices.
Mr Kumolo said the new systems would be closely based on the COVID-19 health protocol “without sacrificing efficiency”.
“The most important thing is to ensure there’s no disruption to the decision-making process,” Mr Kumolo said.
The Minister said Public Servants over the age of 50 and those with underlying illnesses might be allowed to continue to work from home.
Mr Kumolo also ordered institution heads to investigate the possibility of Public Servants working in shifts to maintain productivity.
Sources said this ‘new normal’ might provide momentum for the Ministry to accelerate reforms in the Public Service — the reason for its establishment in 2015.
Public Service Deputy at the Ministry, Diah Natalisa (pictured) said a simplified bureaucracy would be useful if the pandemic continued for a long time.
“We will be able to cut red tape in licensing services and get rid of complicated procedures,” Ms Diah said.
She also encouraged Government institutions to make more use of social media to inform the public about Government rules and regulations.
“Consultation and complaints should also be handled online,” Ms Diah said.
Jakarta, 6 June 2020
