Objectivity and Effectiveness of The Merit System in West Java Province

This study examines the fairness and effectiveness of the merit system in managing the State Civil Apparatus (ASN) in West Java Province, Indonesia. The merit system ensures that hiring, promotion, and transfer decisions are based on an individual’s skills, performance, and qualifications, rather than political connections or personal ties. This system aims to foster the development of a professional, transparent, and accountable government. The research utilizes a sequential exploratory mixed-methods design, combining qualitative and quantitative methods to assess the implementation of the merit system. In the first phase, qualitative data is gathered through interviews, observations, and document analysis to understand the practical application of the merit system. The second phase involves surveying 50 West Java civil servants (ASN) to gather quantitative data regarding their perceptions of the merit system. The third phase integrates both sets of data to provide a comprehensive evaluation. The findings reveal that while the merit system has significantly improved transparency and reduced nepotism, challenges remain, such as political interference, lack of skilled personnel, and inconsistent implementation. The study highlights that the merit system has not been fully applied objectively, and biases still exist. To maximize the merit system's potential, the study recommends stronger monitoring, increased public participation, and enhanced professional development for civil servants. These steps are crucial to improving public service in West Java. The study concludes by calling for more consistent and objective implementation to enhance public service efficiency, accountability, and professionalism.