Papua – Acting Governor of Papua, Agus Fatoni, led the Joint Assembly for the Declaration of Civil Servants (ASN) Neutrality and the Signing of the Integrity Pact of ASNs across Papua Province on the morning of Monday, July 21, 2025, under the bright Papuan sky in front of the Papua Governor’s Office. The event was attended in person by members of the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda), vertical agencies, university leaders, heads of state-owned and regional-owned enterprises, members of the General Election Commission (KPU) and Election Supervisory Board (Bawaslu), as well as officials and staff within the Papua Provincial Government. Online participation included regents and mayors throughout Papua Province, regency/city Forkopimda, heads of vertical agencies in districts/cities, KPU and Bawaslu members, and staff from local governments across the province.
Fatoni stated that the event was held in preparation for the upcoming repeat election (PSU) for the Governor and Deputy Governor of Papua, scheduled for August 6, 2025.
“Let us offer praise and thanks to the Almighty God, Allah SWT. This morning we are able to attend this joint assembly, the declaration of ASN neutrality, and the signing of the ASN integrity pact in relation to the 2025 PSU,” said Fatoni.
During the assembly, all ASNs took an oath of neutrality and integrity, read by the Acting Regional Secretary (Pj Sekda) of Papua Province, followed by the signing of the neutrality and integrity pact by heads of regional apparatus organizations (OPD) and institutional leaders.
The declaration and oath emphasized the commitment of every ASN to uphold independence within their respective institutions when delivering public services—before, during, and after the PSU. It also included commitments to avoid conflicts of interest, not engage in intimidation or threats toward fellow ASNs or the public, and to refrain from supporting any particular candidate. The pledge further encouraged responsible social media use, the rejection of hate speech, hoaxes, and fake news, and a commitment to reject money politics in any form.
Fatoni emphasized that the declaration and the signing of the integrity pact were not merely ceremonial. Rather, they demonstrated the strong commitment of ASNs throughout Papua Province to maintain neutrality and professionalism, particularly ahead of the PSU.
“Neutrality and integrity are essential to maintain a conducive environment and to fulfill our duties as civil servants,” he stated. While ASNs do have voting rights as citizens, they are strictly prohibited from engaging in practical politics to preserve their neutrality and professionalism in public service.
ASNs, said Fatoni, play a crucial role in the functioning of government. Therefore, they must remain focused on their duties while supporting the success of the 2025 PSU.
“ASNs must maintain neutrality, continue delivering services, and carry out their responsibilities impartially,” he said.
Fatoni also encouraged ASNs to take an active role in educating the public and encouraging eligible voters to go to the polling stations on August 6, 2025. He has issued Papua Governor Circular Letter Number 200.2/7558/SET on July 11, 2025, declaring PSU Day a public holiday throughout Papua Province.
“Office activities are suspended so the public can actively participate in the voting process,” he added.
In his speech, Fatoni appealed to all citizens to help maintain a peaceful, safe, and tolerant atmosphere in Papua, as has been experienced thus far. He warned against spreading hoaxes, fake news, slander, hate speech, or inciting divisions.
“We must remain calm, avoid provocation, and refrain from provoking others,” he urged.
Fatoni called on ASNs and all Papuans to exercise their voting rights responsibly.
“Let’s choose the best candidates who will lead Papua for the next five years. Don’t waste your vote—our decision will shape Papua’s future to be more advanced and prosperous,” Fatoni declared.
“We hope this is the last PSU in Papua. Let’s work together to ensure it runs smoothly, safely, and successfully.”
At the same time, Fatoni encouraged all ASNs to maintain and even improve their performance, accelerate budget realization, and drive economic growth by increasing cash circulation and purchasing power to enhance public welfare.
“If we realize the budget, development will proceed, public services will improve, and people’s welfare will increase. Keep innovating, work hard and be creative. Don’t just stick to routines or work half-heartedly. If we want a better Papua, we must give extraordinary effort,” he said.
As public servants, Fatoni added, every action taken by an ASN has a direct impact on the public. Therefore, he reminded them not to think narrowly, as if hard work only benefits superiors. In fact, good performance and achievement will benefit the individual through blessings, real contributions to the nation, and opportunities for career advancement.
“Leaders want to see their staff working to the fullest. Those who work hard and are trustworthy will surely be appreciated,” Fatoni stated.
“Because in employee management, we apply a reward and punishment system. High performers are rewarded; those who make mistakes face sanctions.”
Fatoni directed ASNs to work earnestly, follow regulations, learn budget formulation, and carry out their responsibilities with accountability through synchronized planning, budgeting, implementation, and reporting.
“I also call on everyone to maintain a conducive environment—whether in the office, at home, or in the community,” he said. ASNs, he added, serve as role models in society. Thus, they must inspire, motivate, and educate the public.
ASNs at both the provincial and local levels also play a role in safeguarding Papua’s image and reputation.
“We must preserve the good name and image of Papua,” Fatoni stressed.
“Let’s keep working hard and giving our best, with full responsibility. Activate all your social media accounts.”
“I urge all heads of government agencies and institutions to ensure that every staff member has and uses social media accounts to publicize government work, so the public knows the state is present in their lives,” Fatoni emphasized. He also encouraged the public to share and promote positive, informative content about Papua.
“Let’s flood cyberspace with good news about Papua, and counter hoaxes, lies, slander, division, and hate speech. Let’s protect Papua’s image and reputation. We should be proud of Papua. Let’s preserve, maintain, and enhance a safe, peaceful, and tolerant Papua.”
