Social Minister admits seeking KPK advice on procurement through other agencies

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf, alias Gus Ipul, has admitted that his ministry sought advice from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) regarding the procurement of goods and services for programmes under the Ministry of Social Affairs in the coming period.

“We have sought advice, including earlier today on whether it is possible for the Ministry of Social Affairs to conduct procurement of goods and services through other agencies via procurement agents allowed by law. This is just an idea from us to seek further advice from the KPK,” the minister said after consulting with the KPK on procurement of goods and services at the KPK’s Red and White Building in Jakarta on Friday.

The minister explained that the request for advice from the KPK was to anticipate the surging budget for the ministry amid limitations in human resources for conducting procurement of goods and services.

Meanwhile, he stated that there were two other important points he needed to convey to the public following the consultation with the KPK.

“There are several important points that I need to convey honestly: up to today, according to the records of the LKPP (Government Goods/Services Procurement Policy Agency), we (the Ministry of Social Affairs) are still ranked 167th in procurement of goods and services out of more than 600 agencies and institutions that handle procurement of goods and services,” he said.

Additionally, he mentioned that the ministry is awaiting the results of the KPK’s evaluation and study on corruption prevention in the People’s School programme.

Previously, on 6 May 2026, Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf stated his plan to meet with KPK leaders to obtain input on procurement of goods and services for the People’s School programme.

According to the minister, the meeting with the KPK would present all data and processes related to procurement of goods for the operations of the People’s School, including the procurement of shoes for People’s School students, which had recently become a topic of discussion on social media.

The minister said the meeting was scheduled for 7 May 2026. However, the meeting took place on 8 May 2026.