Minister of Public Works Denies Involvement in Doxing of UGM Lecturer

Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo has denied involvement in the alleged doxing, or unauthorised dissemination of personal information online, targeting Gadjah Mada University (UGM) Faculty of Law lecturer Nabiyla Risfa Izzati, who had criticised his leadership policies at the Ministry of Public Works.

‘I don’t even use social media. How would I know about doxing? I only learned about it from the lady who explained it. I don’t understand such things. I never comment on anything. I am not a social media activist,’ Dody told reporters at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Monday.

Dody said the term doxing was a new vocabulary word for him. He also stressed that he had no knowledge of or involvement in the alleged dissemination of personal data that has been widely discussed on social media.

‘Doxing is a new vocabulary word for me. No, sir, I did not. I swear to God, I swear by the Prophet. I told you I am still a Muslim. I said I swear by the Prophet, I brought it up. It’s impossible. No, I didn’t,’ he stated.

The statement was made by Dody after public attention emerged regarding the alleged digital harassment and doxing experienced by Nabiyla Risfa Izzati, following her criticism of the controversy surrounding the official travel letters for the Public Works Minister’s family to the United States. The criticism also touched on the alleged mutation of civil servants within the Ministry of Public Works.

In addition to addressing the doxing issue, Dody admitted he had no problem with criticism directed at him on social media, including criticism of his policies and leadership style.

‘No, there’s no problem. Criticism is good. Criticism is good. It helps me to better compartmentalise myself going forward. No, there’s no issue,’ he said.

When asked about criticism that his communication style is too casual or sloppy, Dody said this was influenced by his background before becoming a minister. He admitted he is originally from East Java and has extensive experience in the private sector, making him accustomed to communicating more casually in situations that do not require special handling.

‘What can I say, I’m from East Java, a private sector person. How could I not be casual? Let it be. When something is truly serious, then I will be serious. Because this is not something serious,’ Dody said.