Indonesia's Civil Service Pushes Talent Management as TikTok Live Sparks Controversy

The provincial government of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) announced plans to adopt a talent‑management system for civil servants. Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, speaking with BKN officials, said the new framework will base career development on performance and potential, aiming for objective, data‑driven appointments as part of the region’s development agenda.

In West Bandung Regency, a civil servant went live on TikTok during working hours, allegedly discussing a 1 percent fee linked to a project. The employee’s remarks, "Kamu kenapa enggak mau dibantu, takut persennya dibagi‑bagi? Jangan cuma ngasih ke Amanda, kamungasihke aku 1 persen," sparked public criticism. Regional secretary Ade Zakir said the office will first clarify the facts and verify the staff’s contract status before deciding on any disciplinary action.