Caesar Akbar, Jakarta – The Ministry of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform has commenced listing the names of civil servants (PNS) who are willing to move to the new capital city in East Kalimantan Province.

Minister Tjahjo Kumolo said he gave an option should there be state apparatus refusing to move. "If they reject [the order], they are allowed to retire early," said Tjahjo at the Parliament Complex, Monday, January 20.

Albeit the migration would take place in 2024, Tjahjo asserted that it must be well-prepared. The listing was carried out by the ministry's general secretariats or respective institutions.

A total of 118,000 PNS aged under 45 years old are predicted to be moved to the new administrative center. "They are asked about their willingness. Even though principally they must be ready [for any order], they may have considerations," the minister added.

According to Tjahjo, the civil servants would then undergo an additional competency test given there are certain criteria employees must meet to be in the new capital. "This is a smart city, a smart government that must be supported by smart state apparatus," he underlined.

As for those who decided to retire, Tjahjo said there would be alternatives of the recruitment from either the central government or East Kalimantan regional administration.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1297720/civil-servants-refuse-to-move-to-new-capital-may-retire-minister