Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo Claims He is a Target of Deep State: That Untouchable Dirjen Exists!
Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo has revealed suspicions of “deep state” practices within his ministry. This relates to the handling of findings on budget irregularities amounting to up to Rp1 trillion.
The statement emerged amid an ongoing internal examination at the Inspectorate General, following the resignation of two director-generals from their positions.
Previously, Dody had explained that the initial report on these findings was merely a draft summary. He then requested the complete document to fully understand the matter being addressed.
In the latest development, he claimed to have discovered various irregularities in the documents. “Yes, there are indeed many oddities. In my personal opinion, there are many oddities. So, it could be said that almost everything mentioned from the start lacks evidence,” Dody stated during a working visit to Sukoharjo Regency, Central Java, on Sunday, 29 March 2026.
He explained that the initial draft he received consisted of just a few pages of PowerPoint presentation. However, after requesting the full report, Dody found that its contents did not align with the original audit objectives, which should have targeted the two director-generals.
“Personally speaking—and I say this again, personally because it’s subjective—the audit is actually on me. So, in that report book, the one being audited is the Public Works Minister,” he said.
These findings led Dody to link them to the “deep state” issue previously raised by President Prabowo Subianto. He views the phenomenon as real and potentially influencing government processes, including the handling of internal ministry cases.
“I am merely confirming to all my colleagues that the deep state truly exists. So, it’s not that my president, Prabowo Subianto, is making it up. I am experiencing it now,” he emphasised.
According to Dody, if the draft had not been scrutinised further, he could have been cornered in the ongoing case, including the findings on budget irregularities that are still under verification.
He noted that the initial documents appeared to point towards him as the responsible party. “If that draft had been released, I would be the one implicated, as if I were the one committing corruption,” he said.
Nevertheless, Dody continued, the audit was originally tasked with investigating alleged irregularities involving officials under him. In the context of the Rp1 trillion findings, he stressed that the process is still ongoing and no final conclusions have been reached, including regarding potential suspects.