Legislative Election 2019: Overview of the Civil Apparatus Position in Barito Kuala

The State Civil Apparatus (ASN) is a vital subject in a country's governance and development system. ASN neutrality in politics is a must. In fact, ASN is often used as a political object from the power of political parties and actors not only at the national but also regional level. This study aims to describe the ASN's political position in the elections in Barito Kuala Regency. As a critical review to explore and build a new paradigm of looking at ASN's political position during the 2019 Legislative Election process in Barito Kuala Regency. A qualitative approach with descriptive methods is used in research. Data collection techniques through three steps, namely: observation, interviews, and documentation. Analysis of Miles and Hubermen's data models and triangulation techniques are used to see the validity of the data. The results of the study are described: (1) The Political Position of ASN in Barito Kuala Regency during the 2019 Legislative Election in some ASNs was still considered to be in favor of one of the legislative candidates. Cases of neutrality violations that occurred in several ASNs, put themselves in a neutral political position. The role of ASN in the formation and distribution of power is only in the voting booth, namely choosing one of the existing legislative candidates. (2) The political position of ASN in Barito Kuala Regency during the 2019 Legislative Election should be able to place itself in a neutral position in accordance with the appeal of the circular letter from MENPAN-RB and the applicable regulations. To build a new paradigm for ASN's political position, the perpetrators of ASN neutrality violations should be fostered because most do not understand their position. For ASN which shows partiality, the organizer (Bawaslu) should take action on this matter.