Policies On The Appointment System In The West Java Regional Government: Transparency And Public Accountability

Abstract

This study examines the policy implementation of the appointment system within the West Java Provincial Government, focusing on transparency, public accountability, and the effectiveness of the merit system in bureaucratic appointments. The study is grounded in Soerjono Soekanto’s theory of legal effectiveness and the principles of good governance, particularly transparency and accountability. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, data were collected through interviews, document analysis and literature review involving government officials, supervisory institutions and relevant stakeholders. The findings reveal a significant gap between the legal framework governing meritbased appointments and its practical implementation. Although appointment procedures formally comply with Law No.5 of 2014 on State Civil Apparatus and Government Regulation No.11 of 2017 concerning Civil Servant Management, political intervention and patronage practices continue to influence final appointment decisions. Transparency remains procedural, as critical information related to assessment results, evaluation criteria, and selection committee deliberations is not fully accessible to the public. Public accountability is also limited due to weak external oversight and the non-binding nature of recommendations issued by the State Civil Apparatus Commission (KASN). The study concludes that strengthening meritocracy requires greater political commitment, enhanced transparency, stronger accountability mechanisms, and more effective supervisory authority to ensure professional and impartial public administration.