Medan Faces Controversy Over Rp10 Billion Budget for Police Building Renovation

MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM – The city of Medan has once again come under public scrutiny following the municipal government's decision to allocate approximately Rp10 billion from the regional budget (APBD) for the construction or renovation of the Criminal Investigation Unit (Satreskrim) building of the Medan Police (Polrestabes Medan). The policy, reportedly linked to Medan Mayor Rico Waas, has triggered widespread criticism from residents and civil society groups.

Many citizens argue that the decision reflects a misalignment of priorities, as several fundamental urban issues remain unresolved.

Public Concern Over Budget Priorities

Residents across Medan have voiced concern over the use of public funds for a police facility. According to public sentiment, the city government should prioritize more urgent needs such as road infrastructure, flood mitigation, drainage system improvements, waste management, as well as poverty alleviation and unemployment reduction programs.

The debate has since intensified, raising broader questions about whether the allocation of the APBD truly reflects the most pressing needs of the community.

LBH Medan Raises Serious Allegations

Strong criticism has also come from the Legal Aid Institute of Medan (LBH Medan). Its director, Irvan Saputra, S.H., M.H., urged the city administration to halt or revoke the budget allocation entirely.

"LBH Medan assesses the renovation project of the Satreskrim building of Polrestabes Medan as lacking clarity and suspects an abuse of authority in the management of public funds," Irvan said on Friday, June 19, 2026.

He further emphasized the importance of good governance principles, including transparency, efficiency, accountability, and the prioritization of public interest in state financial management.

Transparency Questions and Procurement Data

LBH Medan also pointed to statements attributed to the Head of Polrestabes Medan, Kombes Pol. Jean Calvijn, who reportedly initially showed limited awareness of the detailed budget allocation.

At the same time, LBH Medan cited data from Indonesia's electronic procurement system (SiRUP LKPP), where the project is listed under code RUP 66841851 with a budget of Rp10 billion. The tender process is scheduled for April 2026.

According to LBH Medan, this raises concerns over transparency and coordination among the relevant institutions.

Legal Concerns and Governance Issues

The organization further referenced public procurement regulations requiring clear planning and oversight mechanisms. LBH Medan argued that there are indications of potential violations of these principles.

It also cited national and international legal frameworks, including the Indonesian Constitution, the Human Rights Law, as well as international instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

LBH Medan is calling for an immediate suspension of the project and is considering further political and legal action.

Recurring Budget Disputes

Irvan Saputra noted that similar budget allocations have occurred in the past, with some projects implemented while others were halted following public pressure.

"Therefore, there is suspicion of tacit coordination between the mayor and police leadership regarding this project," he concluded. (IDNC)

REPORTER: Darmailawati | EDITOR: Fik Sagala

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