The city administration plans to fill vacant positions in its regional working units (SKPD) through open recruitment rather than by direct appointment, as it seeks to replace several officials recently dismissed by Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan.

“The governor wants officials to be hired for vacant positions through an open recruitment process. God willing, we will conduct the test next week,” city secretary Saefullah said at City Hall on Friday, as reported by kompas.com.

The administration will accept online applications of public officials interested in applying for the 16 vacant positions. Some of the positions are open to civil servants from anywhere in the country, while others are specifically for Jakarta civil servants, according to Saefullah.

Non-civil servants cannot apply for the positions.

The requirements include having at least two years of experience as an echelon-II official and being no older than 56 years.

“[The applicants] will have to take computerized tests, prepare papers and take a psychological test. We will assess all applicants and also interview them,” Saefullah said.

He added that the city administration had established a talent pool of city servants based on data from past administrations. However, the administration needed to renew it through the open recruitment to make sure the applicants were fit for the job.

He also maintained that the work of the administration would not be disrupted by having several strategic positions currently filled with acting heads as a temporary measure, arguing that they had the same authority as other working unit chiefs.

“The tasks of agency heads and acting agency heads are the same. Those appointed as acting heads by the governor need not be doubtful. Just do your best,” Saefullah added. (gis)