The Neutrality of State Civil Apparatus in Regional Head Elections in Central Lombok Regency from the Perspective of the Democratic Rule of Law Principle

Abstract

This study examines the neutrality of the State Civil Apparatus (Aparatur Sipil Negara/ASN) in regional head elections in Central Lombok Regency from the perspective of the democratic rule of law principle. The research is based on the argument that ASN neutrality is not merely an administrative obligation, but a constitutional requirement for ensuring fair electoral competition, bureaucratic professionalism, and public trust in local democracy. This study employs empirical legal research with a socio-juridical approach. Data are obtained through field observation, document study, and legal material analysis, focusing on the implementation of ASN neutrality, the supervision of alleged violations, and the institutional response to bureaucratic politicization during regional elections. The findings show that ASN neutrality in Central Lombok Regency has been formally regulated and supervised through preventive and enforcement mechanisms. However, its implementation still faces obstacles, including political pressure, bureaucratic hierarchy, incumbent influence, career dependency, weak ethical internalization, and the growing challenge of digital political expression. The novelty of this study lies in its constitutional framing of ASN neutrality as part of the democratic rule of law principle, rather than merely as an issue of civil service discipline or electoral administration. This study concludes that strengthening ASN neutrality requires continuous legal education, clearer digital conduct guidelines, stronger coordination between election supervisory bodies and personnel authorities, transparent follow-up mechanisms, and institutional protection for ASN from political pressure.