Indonesia Agriculture Minister Dismisses 27 Officials Over Gambling, Fund Irregularities

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September 1, 2026 | 08:28 am

Indonesia's Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman.

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman dismissed 27 Ministry of Agriculture officials throughout August 2024 due to issues ranging from alleged budget irregularities to involvement in online gambling, as part of an effort to strengthen bureaucratic integrity.

"As a father figure to them, I must guide them onto the right path. I need to mentor them so they become good people, good public servants, and exemplary civil servants. Therefore, it is my duty to guide them," the Minister said in Jakarta on Monday, August 31, 2026.

Of the 27 officials, Amran permanently dismissed 13 Ministry of Agriculture officials who were proven to be involved in online gambling activities following a verification process and investigation of reports received.

Amran stated that the decision to dismiss officials linked to online gambling was made after all supporting data was confirmed complete through verification and investigation prior to the imposition of sanctions. These officials were dismissed on Monday, August 31, 2026.

The 13 dismissed individuals held echelon positions within the Ministry of Agriculture, though Amran did not specify the exact echelon levels they occupied.

He emphasized that the involvement of civil servants in online gambling cannot be tolerated, as it conflicts with values of discipline, public service responsibility, and the duty to set a good example as government employees.

According to Amran, some of the dismissed officials had previously received guidance and warnings, but violations recurred, making permanent dismissal the necessary final step.

Amran revealed that some officials had online gambling deposit amounts reaching nearly IDR 200 million.

He asserted that these dismissals would not affect the Ministry of Agriculture's performance, given its workforce of approximately 52,000 employees.

Meanwhile, another 14 officials were dismissed due to alleged irregularities involving the use of funds amounting to billions of rupiah. These 14 officials were dismissed on Tuesday (August 18). An examination process is currently being conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture's Inspectorate General to verify the facts of the violations. Amran explained that the removals—affecting Echelon I, II, and III officials—were temporary measures intended to ensure the organization continues to operate in accordance with principles of professionalism and meritocracy.

He emphasized that this action was not a final punitive measure but rather an effort to ensure the investigation process is fair and transparent, providing certainty based on evidence and applicable regulations.

According to Amran, if the investigation reveals financial losses to the state, the case will be referred to law enforcement authorities for processing in accordance with prevailing laws.

Conversely, officials found not to have committed any violations will be reinstated to their positions and given opportunities for career development based on performance and the bureaucratic system's principles of objectivity.

He affirmed that efforts to clean up the bureaucracy would continue should new violations come to light, as the government aims to build a Ministry of Agriculture that is professional, possesses integrity, and is oriented toward public service.

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