Gus Ipul Conducts Surprise Inspection, 2,780 Ministry of Social Affairs Employees Absent Without Explanation

JAKARTA - As many as 2,780 employees of the Ministry of Social Affairs have not yet filled in their attendance on the first day of work after the Eid holiday, Wednesday (25/3/2026). This was discovered when Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, or Gus Ipul, carried out a surprise inspection (sidak) at the ministry’s office. The step was to ensure the presence of Civil Servants (ASN) on the first working day after the Idul Fitri holiday. He explained that the Ministry of Social Affairs currently implements a flexible working arrangement (people working arrangement), where some employees work from the office (WFO), some work from anywhere (WFA), and others have a flexible working pattern according to their assigned areas. Based on ministry data, the total number of employees reaches 46,090 people. Of that number, 33,683 employees work via WFO and 5,071 employees work via WFA. In addition, there are 34,284 employees with flexible working patterns according to field tasks. Meanwhile, 344 employees are recorded as on leave or sick. The Secretary General of the Ministry of Social Affairs along with relevant officials will delve into the causes of this absence. Absences without explanation are considered violations of employee discipline. According to him, as state apparatus, ASN have the obligation to show integrity and exemplary behaviour in attitudes, actions, and obedience to laws and regulations. Therefore, employees who are absent without explanation are potentially subject to disciplinary sanctions in accordance with Government Regulation (PP) Number 94 of 2021 on Civil Servant Discipline. “We will investigate further. Absences without explanation certainly have consequences and sanctions according to the level of violation,” he emphasised.