State Palace Responds as Public Works Minister's Communication Style Draws Scrutiny

The Palace has responded to the issue of Public Works (PU) Minister Dody Hanggodo’s communication style, which has recently become a topic of public discussion. Cabinet Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said that all public input serves as a note in the government’s efforts to improve.

Prasetyo emphasised that evaluations of all members of the Red and White Cabinet are carried out routinely. According to him, these evaluations are conducted comprehensively, covering everything from performance target achievements to their style of communicating with the public.

“Yes, regarding evaluations of all ministries and their ministers, we indeed carry them out routinely and continuously. In the sense of coordinating with one another, in the sense of giving each other input, because there are several things that really depend on the context,” Prasetyo said at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Tuesday (21/7/2026).

“As for evaluations from the performance side, we have our own way of evaluating, but if the question is about evaluating how one communicates — especially when it concerns each individual’s character — then the parameters, indicators and methods of evaluation are certainly different,” he added.

Furthermore, Prasetyo said all public input and notes would receive his attention. He would follow up with the relevant minister so that improvements could be made going forward.

“So if there is something concerning a minister, one of the ministers, whose way of conveying something to the public is considered less than appropriate, that becomes a note for us to communicate later, and we hope it will be improved,” Prasetyo said.

Dody himself has already responded to the perception that his communication style is too laid-back. Dody said the style is inherent in him, stemming from his East Java origins.

“Well, what can I say, I’m originally from East Java, a private-sector person, so I’m a bit laid-back, so be it,” Dody told reporters after the Plenary Cabinet Meeting at the State Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday (20/7).

Dody said this was his way of responding to hoax news. He said his communication style would be different when discussing serious matters.

“Except for something that… something really technical, then I will be serious. But this isn’t something serious, this is all hoaxes, what can you do,” he said.