Cleanup at the Ministry of Public Works: Minister Dody Hanggodo Establishes Audit Committee – If Echelon I is Wrong, They Go to Prison

The Ministry of Public Works (PU) has stated that the internal audit committee currently being formed is still in the process stage and its results cannot yet be evaluated. Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo asked the public not to rush to conclusions regarding the effectiveness of the committee. “The audit committee is still in process. We can’t immediately say it’s not successful,” Dody told reporters at the Ministry of Public Works building in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, on Thursday, 2 April 2026. This statement was made in response to questions about how far the audit committee can address long-standing internal issues. Dody emphasised that the evaluation process takes time and cannot be assessed instantly. He also opened the possibility of other steps if the audit committee does not yield the expected results in the future. “If it’s not successful, we’ll find another way,” he said. According to Dody, the current approach is gradual. He likened the process to medical treatment done in stages according to the condition. “So like a doctor. For flu, give medicine first. If not cured, inject. If not cured, infuse. Don’t give up right away,” he said. In addition to the audit committee, Dody also touched on the issue circulating regarding alleged “deep state” practices in the Ministry of Public Works environment. He acknowledged that the issue exists but is still in the report compilation stage and not yet an official conclusion. On the same occasion, he mentioned that his main task now is to carry out internal improvements. This focus, according to him, includes system improvements and handling various practices deemed inappropriate. Dody also touched on the pattern of law enforcement within the ministry. He stressed that sanctions must be given fairly, including to high-ranking officials if proven to have committed violations. “If indeed Echelon I is wrong, then Echelon I goes to prison. Not like before, Echelon I wrong, thrown to Echelon II, to Echelon III, then the staff goes to prison. That is not allowed,” he asserted. He added that several small practices in the work environment also need to be fixed because they have the potential to become part of a larger culture. One that is highlighted is the habit of using office facilities not in accordance with the rules.