Allegations of Maladministration in People's School Shoes Procurement, Two Officials Removed

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) has revealed potential maladministration in the procurement process for shoes for students of People’s Schools (SR). This potential maladministration was identified by Kemensos following an in-depth investigation by a special team led by Deputy Minister of Social Affairs (Wamensos) Agus Jabo, along with the Inspectorate General (Itjen) of Kemensos, under the direction of Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf. Saifullah, alias Gus Ipul, explained that the planning, budgeting, and procurement of goods and services in the SR programme have been carried out in accordance with the primary duties and functions (tupoksi) of each respective entity. In the SR shoe procurement, the Budget User Representative is the Head of the General Bureau, who subsequently appoints the Commitment Making Officer (PPK) as the person responsible for the procurement process. “So the procurement has responsibilities, processes, and everything must be followed in accordance with the provisions,” said Gus Ipul. “I am temporarily relieving from their positions the Head of the Goods and Services Procurement Services Section as the Commitment Making Officer in the General Secretariat work unit and the Head of the Equipment and State Property Sub-Section,” Saifullah stated firmly. The Minister of Social Affairs has tasked the Inspector General (Irjen) to continue the in-depth investigation while also conducting an evaluation and investigation of goods and services, particularly the SR shoe equipment that has been widely discussed. “Everything we have done is part of an evaluation to improve procurement in 2026,” he stated. Agus Jabo explained that, based on the results of clarifications regarding the goods and services procurement process, there is a large procurement volume, time limitations, and limited human resources, thus creating potential for maladministration. He said that further investigation is needed to ensure whether there are inaccuracies in the goods and services procurement process or the possibility of discrepancies between planning and realisation. “If problems are found as alleged above, the relevant parties will be held accountable in accordance with applicable provisions and disciplinary sanctions will be imposed on the involved employees,” he said.