Teknowarta – JAKARTA — In a significant move to uphold transparency and accountability, Indonesia’s Minister of Social Affairs (Mensos), Saifullah Yusuf, widely known as Gus Ipul, has temporarily deactivated two high-ranking officials. These officials are directly implicated in the procurement processes for goods and services related to the crucial Sekolah Rakyat (People’s School) program.
This decisive action was taken to facilitate an unimpeded and thorough investigation into findings that emerged from an internal evaluation. The Ministry aims to ensure the objectivity and integrity of the ongoing probe, preventing any potential influence during the crucial investigative period. The two officials who have been temporarily relieved of their duties are the Head of the Goods and Services Procurement Services Division, who also serves as the Commitment Making Officer (PPK), and the Head of the Equipment and State-Owned Goods Sub-division.
Gus Ipul underscored that this decision is an integral part of the Ministry’s commitment to maintaining objectivity and enhancing the effectiveness of the ongoing investigation. “In connection with these necessities, and for the smooth continuation of the intended in-depth process, as well as for the seamless execution of subsequent procurements, I am temporarily relieving them of their positions,” Gus Ipul stated during a press conference held at the Ministry of Social Affairs office on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
Furthermore, the Minister elaborated that this measure is also a component of a comprehensive evaluation designed to refine and improve the governance of goods and services procurement moving forward. “Everything we have done serves as a part of our evaluation to improve procurement processes for the year 2026,” he added, signaling a commitment to long-term systemic improvements within the Ministry.
Gus Ipul also clarified that the in-depth investigation being conducted by a special team is a direct response to various public inputs and criticisms, particularly concerning the procurement of shoes for Sekolah Rakyat (SR) students. To ensure that these processes adhere to sound governance principles, the Ministry of Social Affairs has proactively engaged in coordination and consultation with law enforcement agencies.
“We have consulted with the KPK (Corruption Eradication Commission), and informally, we have also consulted with the Attorney General’s Office and the Police, so that we can conduct goods and services procurement in an accountable, transparent, and corruption-free manner,” he explained, stressing the Ministry’s dedication to clean governance.
He further elaborated on the intricate stages of procurement, from planning and budgeting to execution, all of which are carried out according to the specific duties and functions of each work unit. The authority for budget utilization is appropriately delegated to relevant officials in line with the organizational structure, including the appointment of the Budget User Authority (KPA) and the Commitment Making Officer (PPK).
Specifically, in the context of the Sekolah Rakyat shoe procurement, the role of the Budget User Authority (KPA) was held by the Head of the General Bureau, who then appointed the PPK as the party responsible for executing the procurement. Gus Ipul firmly reiterated that every stage of procurement involves specific mechanisms and responsibilities that must be meticulously adhered to according to regulations. “Therefore, procurement comes with responsibilities; there are processes, and all must be followed according to regulations,” he emphasized.
In parallel, Gus Ipul has directed Secretary General Robben Rico to promptly rationalize the budget and strengthen the capacity of the procurement team. Concurrently, the Acting Inspector General, Dody Sukmono, has been tasked with continuing the in-depth investigation and conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the entire procurement landscape.
Earlier, a special team spearheaded by Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono had spent a week clarifying the 2025 shoe procurement process. In his statement, Agus Jabo conveyed that, while the procurement process generally followed established procedures, several significant observations were made.
“Overall, the procurement process has been carried out in accordance with applicable procedures and mechanisms,” he affirmed, providing an initial overview of their findings. However, the team also pinpointed areas that warrant further scrutiny, specifically identifying a potential for maladministration.
“Based on the clarification results of the goods and services procurement process, it was found that there was a large volume of procurement, coupled with time constraints and limited human resources, leading to a potential for maladministration,” Agus Jabo revealed. He stressed the imperative for further in-depth analysis to ascertain any inaccuracies within the process. “Therefore, further investigation is necessary to confirm whether there were any inaccuracies in the goods and services procurement process,” he concluded.
As a corrective measure, the temporary deactivation of the two officials unequivocally demonstrates the Ministry of Social Affairs’ steadfast commitment to maintaining the integrity of a transparent and accountable procurement process. This action concurrently ensures that the ongoing in-depth investigation can proceed without any hindrances or external pressures. The investigation by the Inspectorate General is actively continuing to thoroughly probe the potential maladministration identified by the special team. The Ministry of Social Affairs affirms that every finding will be addressed proportionally, through either administrative sanctions or legal enforcement, should violations be uncovered. The outcomes of this process are also set to form the foundation for strengthening future procurement systems, making them more transparent, accountable, and professional.
Summary
Indonesia’s Minister of Social Affairs, Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul), has temporarily deactivated two high-ranking officials involved in goods and services procurement for the Sekolah Rakyat program. This decisive action aims to facilitate an unimpeded investigation into findings from an internal evaluation, specifically addressing public inputs regarding the procurement of shoes for students. The affected officials are the Head of the Goods and Services Procurement Services Division and the Head of the Equipment and State-Owned Goods Sub-division. This move reinforces the Ministry’s commitment to objectivity, transparency, and effective governance.
The Ministry has engaged in consultations with law enforcement agencies like the KPK to ensure accountable and corruption-free procurement processes. While a special team found the overall process generally followed procedures, they identified a “potential for maladministration” due to high volume and resource constraints. This comprehensive investigation seeks to confirm any inaccuracies and will form the basis for strengthening future procurement systems, with potential administrative or legal sanctions for any violations.