Sarmuji to Ministry of Industry Officials: Do Not Provide Excessive Service to Me
The Minister of Industry, M. Sarmuji, convened Echelon I and II officials of the Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin)—including the Secretary-General, Inspector-General, and Directors-General—immediately following the handover of office from Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita on Friday (2/10/2026).
Sarmuji was previously inaugurated as Minister of Industry by President Prabowo Subianto at the State Palace, Jakarta, on Thursday (1/10/2026).
During the meeting, Sarmuji first requested that his staff present performance reports from their respective work units, including the challenges they face.
Sarmuji subsequently instructed his subordinates to improve performance while simultaneously communicating these achievements to the public. He noted that public communication remains vital so that government performance is well-understood by the community.
In his handover speech, Sarmuji requested that there be no excessive barriers between leadership and the ranks of the Ministry of Industry. He desires an open working atmosphere where officials can discuss, engage in dialectics, and provide input on policies to be implemented.
“I personally ask all officials of the Ministry of Industry that we can remind one another. If there is something that needs to be pointed out to me, please do not hesitate,” said Sarmermuji.
“Do not provide excessive honour to me, and do not provide excessive service to me. Excessive honour and service will create barriers for all of us, limiting our ability to discuss, engage in dialectics, and provide input and suggestions regarding the policies we will adopt,” he stated.
In the same speech, Sarmuji expressed his appreciation to Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, whom he believed had laid a strong foundation for the Ministry’s future steps.
“What has been pioneered by Mr Agus Gumiwang as Minister must certainly be continued. We will carry forward what has been achieved, and what has been established, we will strengthen further,” he remarked.
According to the Minister, policy continuity is essential for optimal industrial development. However, he noted that such continuity must be accompanied by the courage to introduce new ideas. He urged the Ministry’s staff not to merely focus on problems, but to actively identify every opportunity that can be utilised.
“We must have big dreams within this Ministry. We must read every opportunity to elevate this industrial sector to become a pillar of our development. Let us think about opportunities—what we can do to make this industrial sector a leverage for our economic development,” he concluded.