Social Affairs Minister: President's Priority Programmes Must Not Be Tainted by Any Corruption

JAKARTA — The Minister of Social Affairs, Saifullah Yusuf, also known as Gus Ipul, has warned his subordinates to avoid even the smallest instances of corruption within the priority programmes of the Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos).

“The President’s priority programmes must not be tainted by corruption, no matter how small,” stated Gus Ipul during an anti-corruption assembly at the Ministry of Social Affairs office in Salemba, Central Jakarta, on Monday morning.

Gus Ipul noted that most programmes within the Ministry of Social Affairs target the underprivileged, meaning their distribution and management require high levels of integrity. He emphasised that the Ministry must remain a clean, upright, and trustworthy institution for the public, particularly as not all citizens understand the complexities of procurement processes within the ministry.

“I want to remind you, this position is temporary. Our signature today may only take one second, but the consequences can last for years,” he said. “Do not trade your honour, your family’s reputation, and your children’s future for something so disproportionate.”

Gus Ipul asserted that he would take decisive action against any employees found violating regulations. “I emphasise, we will take firm action against those who are sluggish, undisciplined, or violate regulations; they will certainly be dealt with,” he insisted.

Previously, Gus Ipul revealed potential maladministration in the procurement process for footwear intended for students of Sekolah Rakyat (SR). Following these findings, the Minister relieved two officials of their duties, including a Commitment Making Officer (PPK).

“I have temporarily relieved them of their duties as the Head of the Goods and Services Procurement Services Division acting as the Commitment Making Officer within the Secretariat General unit, and the Head of the Equipment and State-Owned Goods Sub-division,” Saifullah stated on Wednesday.

The Minister of Social Affairs has tasked the Inspector General to conduct a deeper investigation and evaluation of goods and services, specifically focusing on the widely discussed procurement of SR student footwear. “Everything we have done serves as part of an evaluation to improve procurement for the year 2026,” he added.