The illusion of meritocracy: a critical analysis of open selection for senior leadership in Indonesia

This study examines the alignment of Indonesia’s open selection process for senior leadership with meritocratic principles and assesses the influence of sociopolitical factors on its outcomes. It also evaluates the effectiveness of the process in mitigating political interference, nepotism, and favoritism in public-sector appointments. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 18 participants selected through convenience sampling, including senior public sector officials, policymakers, reform advocates, and rejected candidates. The findings reveal that while the early stages of the selection process, such as written tests and interviews, adhere to meritocratic ideals, political connections increasingly influence the later stages, undermining merit-based decisions. This shift reflects broader trends in developing countries, where political networks often outweigh meritocratic criteria in leadership appointments. This study highlights the need for stronger safeguards and oversight in the final stages of the process to ensure a truly merit-based system. Limitations include reliance on self-reported data and a regional focus on Sulawesi, which may limit generalizability. Future research should involve broader participant groups across regions and sectors to gain more comprehensive insight.