Public Works Ministry Called a "Wet" Field, Minister Dody Speaks Out

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo has spoken out regarding the perception of the Public Works Ministry as a “wet” field, or one with substantial potential for illegal financial gains. He acknowledged practices that indicate this, in line with findings of suspected “deep state” elements within his ministry.

Dody stated that the term “wet” ministry is not without basis, as it is reflected in the conditions he has personally discovered.

“Perhaps yesterday a colleague from Garuda TV said the government (Public Works Ministry) is wet. This is the proof. It’s comfortable once it’s wet, right,” said Dody, quoted on Wednesday (1/4/2026).

He emphasised that these practices are real and pose a major challenge in efforts to clean up the ministry.

“The deep state is truly there. So it’s not that President Prabowo Subianto is forbidding it… Now I’m the one affected,” he said.

According to him, this situation indicates serious issues in internal governance, which could even target the ministry’s leadership.

“In fact, it’s the Public Works Minister who is being audited. So it’s not auditing two Director Generals, no. It’s auditing the Public Works Minister. So I’m confused, why me?” he stated.

Dody revealed that he began to sense these indications upon receiving the initial draft report, which he found odd.

“The first one I received was in the form of a PowerPoint. Just two or three slides. But I felt uncomfortable reading that PowerPoint,” Dody explained.

This suspicion prompted him to request the full report, which subsequently strengthened the suspicions of irregularities.

“Yes, there are many oddities. In my personal opinion, there are many oddities. So it could be said that almost everything mentioned from the start lacks evidence,” he said.

He also touched on how practices in a “wet” ministry often relate to certain interests that are difficult to eradicate.

“Once it’s a wet ministry, the illustrations are all sorts of things like that,” he noted.

Nevertheless, Dody reaffirmed his commitment to carrying out improvements within the Public Works Ministry, though he admitted it is not easy.

“So it’s indeed a big job, personally for me, as someone entrusted by Mr President to clean up the Public Works government. And the challenge is extremely difficult,” said Dody.

He added that the presence of such practices could potentially disrupt government operations and development objectives.

“The deep state is truly there. And actually, it is very much eroding and disturbing government stability,” he concluded.