North Sumatra Governor Rejects Suspected Budget-Inflated Projects

Medan, Indonesia – Governor Bobby Nasution of North Sumatra is taking a firm stance against questionable regional development projects, signaling a new era of fiscal responsibility and transparency in the provincial government. His decisive rejection of several proposals from regional perangkat daerah (OPD) organizations, citing concerns over inflated budgets and procedural irregularities, sends a clear message: projects must be justifiable and transparent.

Governor Nasution voiced his dismay at the practice of project proposals landing on his desk without undergoing the necessary stages of planning, evaluation, and open presentation. He specifically highlighted a proposed building project with a staggering budget of Rp484 billion, which he refused to approve due to a lack of detailed concept and financial breakdown. This refusal underscores his commitment to due diligence, ensuring that taxpayer money is not squandered on poorly conceived or overpriced initiatives.

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Some came to offer congratulations, then asked for a signature. I said, what is this project? How did it suddenly appear on my desk?

This assertive approach is a departure from potentially more lenient practices, as indicated by Nasution's statement that he will not sign off on projects with unclear processes. He emphasizes that all endeavors must be transparent and sensible, prioritizing the actual benefit to the public over mere expenditure of the regional budget. This stance is crucial for fostering public trust and ensuring that development funds are utilized effectively, aligning with the mandate given to him after winning the gubernatorial election.

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I don't want to sign if the process isn't clear. Everything must be transparent and make sense.