There is no doubt that people are the most valuable assets for every organization. It needs people who can help the organization create benefit and ultimately achieve its goals. For that reason, BKKBN is committed to continuously improving the quality of human resources. The superior quality of human resources began with the selection system based on strict acceptance, transparency, fairness, accountability, and merit.

As a response to changes in advanced technology and communication, BKKBN has revised its previous recruitment method, which was traditional and old fashioned. Starting from 2009, BKKBN will utilize information technology systems to create a system of “Electronic Recruitment” (e-Recruitment) or online recruitment as the new method of staff selection. According to JobsDB Dimension, the leading online recruitment network in Asia Pacific, e-Recruitment involves the integration and utilization of internet technology to improve efficiency and effectiveness of recruitment process.

It is a challenge for BKKBN, and especially for the Human Resource Department (HRD), to adopt an e-Recruitment system because we never experienced  the application of such complex technical approaches. Nevertheless, HDR is committed to prepare everything needed to support this system, including the hardware (computer server), software (application system), and the organizing committee of stakeholders who are needed to guide the process. Furthermore, HRD has collaborated with the BKKBN Bureau of Data Processing and Information Technology (DITTEK) and an external Information Technology Consultant (MAXIMA) to assist with the challenges of the new information technologies. The MAXIMA is providing the application program (software program), which is operated using an internet browser like Internet Explorer or Netscape. The application program can be accessed through the BKKBN official website (http://www.bkkbn.go.id).

E-Recruitment Process
Overall, the recruitment process consists of three stages: registration and administration of selection, academic competence test, and interview. The registration process is an online system. On the other hand, the assessment test is paper-based. Besides do online registration, applicants can also access the results of each stage of selection and knowing the latest developments of the selection process through the official website.
The process of online registration is simple and easy to use. The applicants just browse the internet and visit the BKKBN official website. Before filling the registration form, the applicants have to download information about job vacancies and requirements. After meeting the requirements; the applicants can continue to the next step. They just click the registration icon that appears on the homepage and follow the instructions on how to register.

First, every applicant should answer some questions to access the online application system. Second, the applicants must fill the registration form with their personal data, educational background, and the job position. Finally, the applicants will get the online registration code if they meet the requirements.

The next stage of recruitment process is the applicants must send their resume and other documents through Post Office Box address. The committee will validate their data and publish the written test announcement through the website.  The applicants who pass the written test will have an interview with the committee as the last stage. The applicants, who are accepted, will be announced through the website.

Problems of accessing e-Recruitment system:

Despite its advantages, the E-Recruitment process is not without problems. The most common difficulty encountered to date is associated with internet usage. According to Drs. Sjafrul, MBA, Head of Processing and Data Base Division, there are four main problems in e-Recruitment system:

1.    Website Security System. The current website security system can be overcome by intruders or hackers. This would cause system errors and could even make the site inaccessible to the applicants. Therefore, the website security system should be upgraded to make it invulnerable.

2.    Limited Internet connection. The limited or unstable internet connection interrupts the registration process especially in some provinces that lack of internet coverage like West Sulawesi and Papua. The applicants often face problem with the internet connection when accessing the application system. Bad internet connection will hamper the registration process and adversely affect the applicants. The impact of this connection problem is a decrease in number of applicants. The recruitment committee and the IT consultant cannot overcome this problem because it is the authority of the Internet Service Provider (ISP) like PT. Telkomunikasi Indonesia and INDOSAT M2.

3.    Low bandwidth capacity. Bandwidth refers to the data transmission capacity of a communications channel. The greater a channel’s bandwidth, the more information it can carry per unit of time. Recently, the main server only has 5 Mbps of bandwidth capacity; If the server doesn’t have sufficient bandwidth capacity to meet the demand, it will cause slow loading speeds and frustating to use. Moreover, the worst impact is the failure of data and information transmission from the applicants.

4.    Limited quantity number for users. The IT consultant has designed the application program to allow high number of users to access this system. However, the application system has limited license for users so it can disturb the system while the number of people who want access the website is higher than the license quota.

Drs. Sjafrul, MBA gave some suggestions and recommendations to solve these problems. BKKBN must improve its website security system by installing advanced security software (firewall) and changing the password regularly. Furthermore, back up server is needed as a mirror for the main server to back up the data if the system hangs or problem with electricity. Moreover, increasing bandwidth capacity also very important to ensure the system will run well. Renting bandwidth (up to 1000 Mbps) during the recruitment period is a solution for this problem. The last suggestion is improving operators or administrators’ skill by holding some training because they play important role in running the online system.

In conclusion, the solution to technical problems is more than technology; it is an ongoing process involving people and practices. Although, this is the first time to adapt e-recruitment method for BKKBN, we believe that with good preparation and coordination, everything will run smoothly.

References:

JobsDB,2009, What is e-recruitment strategy?, Retrieved: 25 August 2009, http://id.jobsdb.com/Dimension/downloads/DimensionBrochure.pdf

Sjafrul, Drs, MBA, Personal interview, 19 August 2009.

The Linux Information Project , 15 October 2005, Bandwidht, Retrieved 25 August 2009, <http://www.bellevuelinux.org/bandwidth.html>

Written by: Ade Isyanah

Staff member of Human Resource Department – BKKBN