Gus Ipul Suspends Two Officials Involved in People's School Procurement
Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, alias Gus Ipul, has temporarily suspended two officials involved in the procurement of goods and services for the People’s School programme.
This step was taken to ensure the smooth progress of the in-depth review of findings from the internal evaluation, while maintaining objectivity during the ongoing investigation.
The two officials temporarily relieved of their duties are the Head of the Goods and Services Procurement Service Section, acting as the Committing Officer (PPK), and the Head of the Equipment and State Assets Subsection.
Gus Ipul emphasised that this decision is part of efforts to maintain the objectivity and effectiveness of the ongoing investigation process.
“In connection with these needs, also for the smooth progress of the aforementioned in-depth process, and for the smooth running of subsequent procurement, I am temporarily relieving them of their positions,” said Gus Ipul during a press conference at the Ministry of Social Affairs office on Wednesday (13/5).
He added that this step is also part of a comprehensive evaluation to improve the governance of goods and services procurement in the future.
“Everything we have done is part of an evaluation to improve procurement in 2026,” he stated.
Gus Ipul also explained that the in-depth process carried out by the special team is a response to various public inputs and criticisms regarding the procurement of shoes for People’s School (SR) students.
To ensure the process runs according to good governance principles, the Ministry of Social Affairs has also coordinated and consulted with law enforcement agencies.
“We have consulted with the KPK, and informally we have also consulted with the Prosecutor’s Office and the Police so that we can carry out goods and services procurement in an accountable, transparent manner, and acceptable as procurement free from corruption,” he explained.
Furthermore, he elaborated that all stages, from planning, budgeting to implementation of procurement, are carried out according to the tasks and functions of each work unit. Budget usage authority is delegated to relevant officials according to the organisational structure, including the appointment of Budget User Representatives (KPA) and Committing Officers (PPK).
In the context of People’s School shoe procurement, the role of the budget user representative (KPA) is held by the Head of the General Bureau, who then appoints the PPK as the party responsible for the procurement implementation. Gus Ipul stressed that every stage has mechanisms and accountability that must be followed according to regulations.
“So procurement has responsibilities, processes, and everything must be followed according to the provisions,” he asserted.
In addition, Gus Ipul also asked the Secretary General, Robben Rico, to immediately carry out budget rationalisation and strengthen the procurement team’s capacity. Meanwhile, Acting Inspector General, Dody Sukmono, has been tasked with continuing the in-depth process as well as conducting a comprehensive evaluation and investigation.
Previously, a special team led by Deputy Social Affairs Minister Agus Jabo Priyono had conducted clarifications for one week on the 2025 shoe procurement process.
In his statement, Agus Jabo conveyed that overall, the procurement process had followed procedures, but there were several important notes.
“Overall, the procurement process has been carried out in accordance with the applicable procedures and mechanisms,” he said.
Nevertheless, the team found potential maladministration that needs further investigation.
“Based on the results of clarifications on the goods and services procurement process, it was found that there was a large procurement volume, time limitations, and human resource limitations, thus there is potential for maladministration,” said Agus Jabo.
He emphasised that further in-depth investigation is needed to ensure whether there are inaccuracies in the process.
“Thus, further in-depth investigation is needed to ensure whether there are inaccuracies in the goods and services procurement process,” he stated.
As a corrective step, the temporary suspension of the two officials underscores the Ministry of Social Affairs’ commitment to maintaining the integrity of a transparent and accountable procurement process, while ensuring the in-depth process runs without obstacles.
The investigation process by the Inspectorate General is still ongoing to trace the identified potential maladministration. The Ministry of Social Affairs emphasises that every finding will be followed up proportionally, either through administrative sanctions or law enforcement if violations are found. The results of this process will also serve as the basis for strengthening the procurement system in the future to be more transparent, accountable, and professional.