THE FUNCTION OF THE CIVIL SERVICE AND HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (BKPSDM) TOWARD THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MERIT SYSTEM FOR STATE CIVIL APPARATUS IN THE GOVERNMENT OF BANDAR LAMPUNG CITY

Abstract

The Civil Service and Human Resources Development Agency (BKPSDM) is a strategic institution in the management of the Civil Service (ASN) at the regional level, responsible for implementing a merit-based system in accordance with Law No. 20 of 2023 on the Civil Service and BKN Decision No. 411 of 2025. In the Bandar Lampung City Government, the implementation of the merit system has not yet been fully realized and is still in the stage of developing talent management based on Bandar Lampung Mayor Regulation No. 27 of 2021. This study examines: the role of the BKPSDM in the implementation of the ASN merit system in Bandar Lampung City; and the factors hindering the BKPSDM from optimizing its implementation. The study employs a normative-empirical approach, utilizing data obtained through literature review and field research, which were then analyzed using descriptive qualitative methods. The results indicate that the BKPSDM’s role in implementing the merit system is carried out through talent management mechanisms, which include talent identification, competency development, merit-based position selection, promotions and transfers, as well as monitoring and evaluation. Hindering factors include civil servants’ lack of understanding of merit principles, an unbalanced distribution of employees, incomplete data, and resistance to change.