Disciplinary Sanctions Imposed on Public Works Officials Linked to Online Gambling
The Minister of Public Works, Dody Hanggodo, has instructed the Inspectorate General of the Ministry of Public Works to immediately follow up on findings from the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK) regarding transaction data of Ministry employees suspected of online gambling. He emphasised that the investigation must be conducted seriously, based on evidence and applicable regulations.
“If violations are proven, implement the sanctions. If criminal elements are found, proceed through the legal process. Nothing should be covered up, nor should anyone be punished without sufficient grounds. The Ministry of Public Works manages significant amounts of work and state budgets. Therefore, I demand that those within it possess discipline and integrity commensurate with such responsibilities,” Dody stated firmly.
Dody emphasised that addressing online gambling within the Ministry of Public Works is part of an effort to maintain public trust in civil servants and the Ministry as an institution.
Reports indicate that approximately 4,000 Ministry of Public Works employees have been identified as participating in online gambling. This data is currently being reviewed and verified to determine the position of each employee, transaction patterns, level of involvement, and provable elements of violation.
Following these directives, the Inspector General of the Ministry of Public Works, Maulidya Indah Junica, explained that her office has conducted examinations of every individual named in the findings. From the review and verification process, it was noted that not all cases fall into the same category.
“We are examining every name based on available data and evidence. Subsequently, the Inspectorate General has submitted the verification results to each Organisational Unit to be followed up with the imposition of disciplinary sanctions in accordance with applicable regulations. Meanwhile, cases that require further investigation are being examined one by one. We do not want the handling of verified findings to stop without follow-up through disciplinary sanctions,” said Maulidya.
Maulidya added that the handling follows the civil service disciplinary mechanism based on the severity of the violation. If criminal indications are found during the process, including for the prevention and eradication of money laundering as regulated under Law Number 8 of 2010, the matter will be forwarded according to the relevant authority and law enforcement mechanisms.
The Secretary General of the Ministry of Public Works, Apri Artoto, added that these findings will serve as material for evaluation to continuously strengthen the internal coaching and supervision system for employees.
“In addition to taking action against employees proven to have committed violations according to applicable regulations, we are also conducting a thorough evaluation of the employee supervision and coaching system. We are identifying which areas need strengthening, how coaching can be conducted more effectively, and what preventive measures need to be enhanced so that similar risks can be identified and addressed as early as possible,” said Apri.
Apri explained that every proven violation will be followed up according to regulations and sanctioned. However, he noted that it is equally important to ensure continuous systemic improvements so that similar incidents do not recur and preventive measures can be implemented earlier.