About 60 per cent of Indonesia's four million civil servants are reportedly unqualified for their jobs.

The state administrative reforms minister Feisal Tamin says studies by his office and other parties show that only 40 per cent of Indonesia's civil servant force are qualified.

The state Antara newsagency reports the government cannot dismiss or marginalise unqualified staff because of its regulations and obligations.

Mr Tamin says raising staff performance standards is a big task. He says he would consider a reversal of the ratio between qualified and unqualified staff to be a success.

Mr Tamin has called on the public to help to enforce discipline and productivity among civil servants.