Gus Ipul Responds to Public Criticism on Procurement at the Ministry of Social Affairs

We thank all members of the public, both directly and through social media, who have criticised and provided suggestions to the Ministry of Social Affairs. Jakarta (ANTARA) - Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, commonly known as Gus Ipul, has conveyed his thanks to the public for various criticisms and suggestions related to the procurement of goods and services within the Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos). “We thank all members of the public, both directly and through social media, who have criticised and provided suggestions to the Ministry of Social Affairs. I accept all of this as part of efforts to improve the Ministry of Social Affairs’ performance going forward,” the Minister stated after consulting with the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) at the KPK’s Red and White Building in Jakarta on Friday. According to him, Kemensos is currently tasked with implementing one of President Prabowo Subianto’s strategic programmes, namely Sekolah Rakyat. Therefore, he and Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono are committed to executing all Kemensos programmes, including Sekolah Rakyat, in a transparent and accountable manner. “The Deputy Minister and I have committed to ensuring that programmes at the Ministry of Social Affairs, particularly President Prabowo’s strategic programme in organising Sekolah Rakyat, are not tainted by corrupt practices or unseemly actions,” he said. According to him, the consultation serves as an important part of evaluating procurement for 2025 as well as preparations for procurement in 2026. “This is a good opportunity for us to obtain input because we are preparing for the procurement of goods and services in 2026. The 2025 evaluation is very important,” he stated. In the meeting, Kemensos presented data and processes for procuring goods for the operational aspects of Sekolah Rakyat, including the procurement of student shoes that had recently been a topic of discussion on social media. The meeting, originally scheduled for 7 May 2026, was ultimately held on 8 May 2026.