Harisson Affirms ASN Retreat Program Mandatory Under National Civil Service Law
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| Harisson confirms ASN retreat programs are mandatory under civil service law, while competency development budgets remain below national standards. |
Pontianak — West Kalimantan Regional Secretary Harisson has emphasized that the retreat or competency development program for civil servants (ASN) within the West Kalimantan Provincial Government is a mandatory obligation regulated by national laws.
According to Harisson, the implementation of ASN retreats is not merely an additional activity but a formal responsibility aimed at strengthening the capacity of government personnel to remain relevant to organizational demands.
"The implementation of ASN retreats refers to Law Number 20 of 2023 on Civil Servants, particularly Article 49 paragraph (1), which requires every ASN to continuously develop competencies through lifelong learning to stay aligned with organizational needs," Harisson said in Pontianak on Monday.
ASN Retreat Strengthened by National Regulations
Harisson explained that competency development requirements are also reinforced through Government Regulation Number 17 of 2020 on Civil Servant Management.
Under the regulation, every civil servant has equal rights and opportunities to participate in competency development programs, with a minimum allocation of 20 learning hours per year.
This policy aims to ensure civil servants remain capable of adapting to technological developments, evolving work systems, and increasing public service demands.
Competency Development Budget Still Below Standard
Despite the mandatory nature of the retreat program, Harisson acknowledged that the budget allocation for ASN competency development in West Kalimantan remains limited.
In the 2026 Regional Budget (APBD 2026), the allocation for competency development stands at approximately 0.11 percent of total regional spending.
This figure remains below the standard set by Minister of Home Affairs Regulation Number 14 of 2025, which mandates a minimum allocation of 0.34 percent.
The budget allocation includes:
Rp1.558 billion allocated for technical, general, core, and elective competency development for administrative positions
Rp1.938 billion allocated for competency development of regional leaders, senior leadership positions, functional leadership roles, and pre-service training
This gap indicates ongoing challenges in meeting national competency development standards.
Regional Agencies Asked to Adjust Budgets
Harisson noted that retreat or competency development programs for senior leadership and heads of Technical Implementation Units (UPT) have already been budgeted by 25 agencies and departments and 11 UPT units in the 2026 regional budget.
However, agencies that have not yet allocated funds are instructed to make adjustments through budget reallocation mechanisms.
"In a letter I issued on March 6, 2026, agencies that have not yet budgeted for competency development were instructed to reallocate funds to support these programs," he explained.
Such reallocations must comply with Minister of Home Affairs Regulation Number 77 of 2020 on Technical Guidelines for Regional Financial Management.
Harisson stressed that reallocations are only permitted within similar expenditure categories, such as official travel or education and training administration.
He also firmly stated that funding allocated for public programs, grants, or infrastructure development must not be reallocated.
ASN Retreat Activities to Be Restructured Following Efficiency Policy
Following the issuance of a Minister of Home Affairs Circular dated March 31, 2026, concerning the transformation of ASN work culture, the provincial government plans to reorganize retreat implementation.
One key directive in the circular is the emphasis on official travel efficiency.
Previously, the West Kalimantan Provincial Government had implemented a 50 percent reduction in official travel spending, along with a 50 percent reduction in operational activities within the 2026 regional budget.
With the latest directive, official travel efficiency measures are expected to be tightened further.
"With the issuance of the latest circular, ASN retreat activities will certainly be reorganized," Harisson stated.
The Importance of ASN Retreat Programs for Public Service Quality
ASN retreat programs play a significant role in improving human resource quality within government institutions.
Through continuous training programs, civil servants are expected to:
enhance technical competencies
strengthen leadership skills
improve public service quality
adapt to modern bureaucratic transformation
Ultimately, competency development initiatives are not only beneficial internally but also directly impact the quality of public services delivered to citizens.
FAQ
What is an ASN retreat program?
An ASN retreat program is a structured competency development activity designed to improve the skills, leadership, and performance of civil servants.
Is the ASN retreat program mandatory?
Yes. The program is mandated under Law Number 20 of 2023 on Civil Servants.
What is the minimum annual competency development requirement?
Civil servants must complete at least 20 learning hours annually under Government Regulation Number 17 of 2020.
How much budget is allocated for ASN competency development in 2026?
Approximately 0.11 percent of total regional spending, which remains below the national standard of 0.34 percent.
Can public service budgets be reallocated for ASN retreats?
No. Budgets allocated for public services, grants, and infrastructure development cannot be reallocated.