'Deep State' Issue Emerges, Minister Dody Hanggodo: There Are Still Many Good People in Public Works

Minister of Public Works (PU) Dody Hanggodo has acknowledged indications of ‘deep state’ practices within his ministry’s internal environment. According to him, this issue has already surfaced in initial reports and is currently under further review.

“Indeed, there is a ‘deep state’ issue, and it is real, at least in the PU sector,” Dody told journalists at the Ministry of PU building in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, on Thursday, 2 April 2026.

He stated that the government has requested reforms within the ministry, particularly regarding governance and practices deemed deviant. “The President has asked us to clean up the internals. So we are just carrying out those instructions,” he said.

Dody emphasised that his primary task at present focuses on internal improvements, not merely physical construction. “My task is just one, not many. It’s not building bridges, no. My task is cleaning up,” he asserted.

He also alluded to practices considered a culture of corruption and permissiveness in several work units. According to him, these issues are not always in the form of major violations but also include long-standing minor habits that have not been corrected.

In addressing them, Dody stressed the importance of systemic changes and consistent enforcement of rules. He highlighted old practices deemed unfair, such as when high-ranking officials who commit violations do not receive commensurate sanctions, while subordinates bear the legal consequences.

Additionally, he reminded that not all parties in the Ministry of PU environment should be generalised as involved in negative practices. Dody believes there are still employees who work according to the rules and contribute to internal oversight.

“I think one thing, that there are still many good people in PU. Many, I’m sure,” he said.

Furthermore, he noted that the reform process cannot be done quickly. Changes, he said, require stages and ongoing evaluations, including through the role of internal oversight units and coordination with law enforcement authorities.

The ‘deep state’ issue itself has emerged amid recent public spotlight on the Ministry of PU. Dody did not detail the parties or forms of practices in question but assured that the existing reports will be followed up through deeper reviews.