Indonesian Ministry of Public Works Employee Temporarily Suspended for Marijuana Cultivation

The Indonesian Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (Kementerian PU) has decided to temporarily suspend an employee, identified by the initial AS, who is a contract worker (PPPK) within the ministry, following their arrest for allegedly cultivating marijuana at their home in Cileunyi district, Bandung Regency. Minister of Public Works and Public Housing, Dody Hanggodo, stated that the ministry respects the ongoing legal process and has taken administrative measures. The ministry will temporarily suspend AS from their duties and position until further developments and legal certainty are achieved, in accordance with applicable regulations. "The Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing respects the ongoing legal process. We have also taken administrative steps in accordance with applicable regulations for the employee concerned," Dody said in an official statement on Saturday (September 19, 2026). Hanggodo emphasized that the ministry respects the legal proceedings and fully entrusts the handling of the case to the authorized law enforcement agencies. He also affirmed the ministry's commitment to upholding integrity, professionalism, and discipline among all its employees in carrying out public service and infrastructure development tasks. "We emphasize that every employee of the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing is obliged to maintain integrity, discipline, and the good name of the institution," he stated. Police seized 71 marijuana plants and seeds from AS's residence in the Bumi Orange Housing complex, Cileunyi District, Bandung Regency. AS confessed to starting the cultivation in May 2026, motivated by difficulties in obtaining marijuana for personal consumption. He explained that he obtained the seeds from a relative and learned cultivation techniques through self-study via YouTube. Authorities also discovered cultivation equipment at AS's home, including ultraviolet lamps and pesticide bottles. Following his arrest, AS was transferred to the Bandung Police Headquarters for further investigation and to be held accountable for his actions. In this case, AS is being prosecuted under Articles 114 and 111 paragraph 2 of Law Number 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment. Source: Liputan6