Gus Ipul Disciplines 2,708 Absent Employees, One Kemensos Civil Servant Dismissed
Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, or Gus Ipul, has reaffirmed his commitment to enforcing discipline among civil servants (ASN) within the Ministry of Social Affairs. He made this statement while leading a staff briefing on Thursday (26 March), as a follow-up to a surprise inspection on the first day back to work.
Based on the results of the inspection and a service meeting, out of a total of 46,090 Ministry of Social Affairs employees, 2,708 were recorded as absent without explanation. All such employees were required to attend the briefing, either in person at the central office or online from their regions.
“I emphasise that every violation will be processed, every unexcused absence will be addressed, and every form of indiscipline will have consequences,” said Gus Ipul during the briefing at the Ministry of Social Affairs office in Jakarta.
Of the total absentees, 156 were from the central office as well as the Sentra and Balai Technical Implementation Units (UPT). Meanwhile, more than 2,500 others were employees under a flexible working arrangement scheme, including social companions who are now government employees under work agreements (PPPK).
During the briefing, the violating employees were asked to read and sign a pledge of attendance commitment, accompanied by a religious figure. This step serves as a declaration of their willingness not to repeat violations in the future.
In addition, one ASN was announced as dismissed for being proven to have been absent for a long time without a clear reason. Gus Ipul emphasised that sanctions will be given according to the level of violation.
“We will impose sanctions according to each mistake. For those who want to improve, we appreciate it. But for serious violations, we will process them, and one of them we are dismissing today,” he said.
The briefing was conducted in a hybrid format. Employees at the central office attended in person at Jalan Salemba, Jakarta, while regional employees joined from their respective locations.
Gus Ipul also reminded that, according to applicable regulations, employees who fail to record their attendance when arriving or leaving work will face a 3% reduction in performance allowances per day of absence.
He hopes this incident will serve as a lesson for all employees, especially the social companions, to carry out their duties professionally.
“Targets must be met. Remember, colleagues are monitored, not only by official institutions but also by the wider community. Every report will be followed up,” he stressed.
As a note, throughout 2025, nearly 500 social companions have been warned, and 49 of them have been dismissed. Gus Ipul emphasised that he does not want similar violations to recur.
“The task of companions is to ensure that assistance is utilised to improve family economies. There should be no more playing around. There have been many cases that have led to dismissal,” he concluded.