Social Affairs Minister Targets Completion of Shoe Procurement Maladministration Investigation Within Three Weeks
JAKARTA — Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul) has set a target for the internal investigation conducted by the Inspectorate General (Itjen) regarding alleged maladministration in the procurement of ‘Sekolah Rakyat’ shoes to be completed within a maximum of three weeks. “At the latest three weeks, God willing. Therefore, the earliest is next month when the Inspector General can present the findings,” said Gus Ipul at the Ministry of Social Affairs office in Salemba, Central Jakarta, on Monday (18/5/2026).
Gus Ipul explained that a Special Team, led by Deputy Social Affairs Minister Agus Jabo and the Inspectorate General, is currently investigating the involvement of two officials who have since been relieved of their duties. “The Inspector General is currently working on it, but we have also prepared temporary replacements until a full report is submitted by the Inspector General,” Gus Ilar stated.
Gus Ipul emphasised that all procurement is conducted through applicable mechanisms and regulations. “If it is deemed overpriced, then we will follow up by conducting an internal evaluation and investigation,” he added.
The Minister also claimed that the process would be conducted transparently without any concealment. Previously, the Minister relieved two officials of their duties after potential maladministration was identified during clarifications by the special team regarding the 2025 ‘Sekolah Rakyat’ shoe procurement process.
“I have temporarily relieved them of their positions 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,” Gus Ipul explained during a press conference in Central Jakarta on Wednesday (13/5/2026).
Gus Ipul has tasked the Inspector General to continue the in-depth study while conducting an evaluation and investigation of goods and services, specifically focusing on the widely discussed ‘Sekolah Rakyat’ shoe equipment. “Everything we have done serves as part of an evaluation to improve procurement for the year 2026,” he concluded.