Public Works Minister Outraged by Civil Servants Flexing and Insulting Government Programme
The Minister of Public Works (PU), Dody Hanggodo, has revealed that his department is recalling two civil servants (ASN) from overseas to undergo further proceedings regarding alleged violations. According to Dody, the two officials were summoned for different reasons: one is linked to an alleged bribery case, while the other is facing ethical issues.
“We have indeed recalled two of our civil servants. One is related to a bribery issue, currently in Japan,” said Dody, as reported on Monday (18/05/2026).
Dody explained that in addition to the official in Japan, the ministry is also summoning an official currently in London. This individual was flagged for ethical violations, specifically the habit of flaunting a luxurious lifestyle, or ‘flexing’, on social media, as well as insulting a government initiative known as MBG.
The Minister stated that such behaviour is inappropriate for a civil servant. He emphasised that state apparatus must adhere to a code of ethics in their daily lives, including their social media usage.
“I believe this kind of behaviour is unacceptable. Regardless, civil servants are bound by a code of ethics,” he said. He further reminded officials that their salaries are funded by state revenue sourced from public taxes, and therefore, they must remain sensitive to the social conditions of the community. “Civil servants are sustained by the public,” ing Dody added.
Dody also disclosed that both officials are recipients of state-funded scholarships, with one funded by LPDP and the other through the JICA programme. Regarding the LPDP scholarship recipient, Dody noted that the matter would be referred to the Minister of Finance, Purbawa Yudhi Sadewa.
As for the proceedings within the Ministry of Public Works, he ensured that follow-up actions will be taken once the officials return to Indonesia. “From my side, since they are Ministry of Public Works officials, I can process this. Once they are recalled, likely by next week, we should be able to complete the process by Monday,” he concluded.