Thursday, 18 June 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The province of North Sumatra, particularly Medan City, has once again become the center of public debate following the allocation of Rp10 billion from the Regional Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBD) for the construction and renovation of the Criminal Investigation Unit (Satreskrim) building at the Medan Metropolitan Police (Polrestabes Medan).
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from the Legal Aid Institute of Medan (LBH Medan), which views the allocation as a misplacement of the city's development priorities.
The budget item is listed in the Government Procurement Information System (SiRUP) under the Indonesian Public Procurement Agency (LKPP) with RUP code 66841851. Notably, the allocation has nearly doubled from the previous plan of around Rp5 billion.
"In a time when Medan is still struggling with pressing issues such as poverty, damaged infrastructure, pothole-ridden roads, inadequate drainage systems, recurring floods, inefficient waste management, slum areas, and poor public services, a substantial budget is instead allocated to a project that is not a direct priority for the people's basic needs," Irvan said in an official statement on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
He also noted that similar allocations had previously been made for the renovation of Polrestabes Medan. In 2025, a Rp5 billion budget plan had reportedly been prepared but was halted following criticism from LBH Medan and North Sumatra's FITRA. The latest proposal, however, reflects an even higher figure.
"The use of public funds in this case is being misdirected," he emphasized.
"This situation indicates a potential overlap in funding sources. At the same time, it reduces the city's fiscal space for urgent public services," Irvan added.
LBH Medan also cited Law No. 30/2014 on Government Administration and the General Principles of Good Governance (AUPB) as key legal foundations that must be upheld.
The organization also called for a realignment of the APBD toward essential public needs, including poverty alleviation, infrastructure improvement, flood control, education, and healthcare.
Local legislative council (DPRD Medan) and oversight bodies were also urged to strengthen monitoring of public fund usage.
"If this plan continues to be implemented, LBH Medan will pursue legal action and report the case to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the Attorney General's Office," Irvan concluded. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Darmailawati | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
