<![CDATA[Indonesian democracy has experienced significant development since the 1998 Reform Era; however, challenges remain, particularly in maintaining bureaucratic neutrality and ensuring the consistent implementation of democratic principles. Civil servants, as strategic actors within the bureaucracy, play a central role in implementing public policies; however, their perspectives on the condition of democracy remain understudied. This study examines the condition of Indonesian democracy from the perspective of civil servants, a group that plays an important role in ensuring the effective application of democratic principles within the bureaucratic system. The problem addressed in this research concerns how civil servants perceive key democratic indicators, including freedom of expression, voting rights, press freedom, and work environments that value diversity, particularly within the context of bureaucratic politicization, which continues to challenge Indonesia’s democratic consolidation. Using a descriptive quantitative method, this study surveyed 400 civil servants in Banyumas Regency, selected using the Slovin formula. The findings showed that civil servants generally perceived Indonesia’s democracy positively, with moderate to high scores across the four indicators. However, concerns remained regarding political interference, potential electoral manipulation, restrictions on expression in sensitive contexts, and the influence of media on public discourse. These results indicate that although democratic practices have improved, significant challenges persist, particularly in safeguarding bureaucratic neutrality, strengthening civil liberties, and promoting inclusive work environments. The study concluded that addressing these challenges is essential for reinforcing democratic governance and ensuring more accountable, transparent, and equitable public administration.]]>
