What Happens to Water Resources Projects After Three Officials Are Named Corruption Suspects?

Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo has assured that government strategic programs in the water resources sector (SDA) will continue despite allegations of corruption within the Directorate General of Water Resources (Ditjen SDA) at the Ministry of Public Works.

Dody urged the public not to worry about the continuation of priority projects, particularly those supporting the 2026 food self-sufficiency target.

“Don’t worry, even if top officials are implicated, government priority programs in water resources, especially those supporting the 2026 food self-sufficiency target, must and will be executed to the fullest,” Dody told Antara on Sunday, 24 May 2026.

He stressed that legal cases against officials in his ministry would not hinder SDA projects, from irrigation to dam construction.

“There’s no way that if the director-general is implicated, irrigation would be blocked – that’s not happening,” Dody said.

The government remains committed to optimally executing priority programs while prioritising effectiveness and efficiency. Dody also assured that legal proceedings are being conducted transparently with no cover-ups.

Dody Hanggodo also reiterated concerns about ‘deep state’ practices within the Ministry of Public Works.

He compared the ‘deep state’ in the ministry to termites eating away at wood from within – seemingly solid on the surface but fragile when touched.

The term ‘deep state’, also referred to as a ‘state within a state’, describes a hidden network or unseen power group within government structures.

Such groups typically consist of permanent bureaucratic officials, intelligence personnel, or military personnel, and can influence or obstruct the policies of top political officials.

He said this situation poses a serious threat to bureaucracy, which should be a cornerstone of the nation.

“Bureaucracy is one of the three main pillars of the state. A strong military, quality police and intelligence, and an integrity-driven bureaucracy. If one weakens, the country could collapse,” Dody said.

The Democrat Party politician said he has repeatedly replaced officials from levels I to III and dam managers to break the chain of such practices.