DELI SERDANG | INDATANEWS.COM - North Sumatra Governor Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution has emphasized the importance of closer cooperation between the provincial government and regency administrations in shaping fiscal policy and regional development planning. He underlined that regency governments play a strategic role as the backbone of public services due to their direct connection with local communities. Therefore, intergovernmental coordination must be further expanded and strengthened.
Bobby Nasution delivered the statement during the Welcome Dinner marking the 26th anniversary of the Association of Indonesian Regency Governments (
APKASI), which was also held in conjunction with the 80th anniversary of
Deliserdang Regency. The event took place on Wednesday evening, July 1, 2026, at Graha Bhineka Perkasa Jaya in Lubukpakam,
Deliserdang, and was attended by hundreds of regional leaders from across Indonesia.
Fiscal Policy Alignment Across Regions
In his remarks,
Bobby Nasution stressed that
APKASI should not only issue policy recommendations to the central government, but also engage provincial governments as strategic partners of regencies. He noted that communication has so far been overly focused on the national level, while coordination among regional governments remains suboptimal.
"Direct recommendations to the relevant ministries are important. However, provincial governments should also be included. This is crucial to close existing coordination gaps and to better align fiscal and budgetary policies between provinces and regencies," Bobby said.
He added that a more balanced coordination model would help development programs become more targeted, efficient, and responsive to community needs.
FISCAL CHALLENGES: Deliserdang Regent Asri Ludin Tambunan delivers remarks on the 80th anniversary of Deliserdang, highlighting fiscal challenges and innovations in public service. (PHOTO: Doc. North Sumatra Communication and Informatocs Office)
Call for Flexible Tax Policy Design
Bobby also proposed a more flexible approach to motor vehicle taxation. He argued that uniform regulations across all regions are not suitable, given the significant differences in economic conditions and local needs.
Major cities, he said, could implement higher tax rates for luxury vehicles, while regencies would benefit from more flexible schemes, particularly for economically accessible vehicle categories such as Low Cost Green Car (LCGC). This differentiated approach, he added, could ensure fairer taxation while also increasing regional revenue.
Increased Financial Support for Regions
On the same occasion,
Bobby Nasution announced that the
North Sumatra Provincial Government will disburse additional funds under the Provincial Financial Assistance (BKP) scheme to cities and regencies in July 2026.
Deliserdang is among the regions expected to receive a significant share of this allocation.
The policy is part of the provincial government's strategy to strengthen regional fiscal capacity while accelerating infrastructure development and improving public services.
Economic Impact of
APKASI Anniversary Events
Beyond policy and fiscal discussions, Bobby Nasution also highlighted the economic impact of the APKASI anniversary celebration in Deliserdang. The event generated positive spillover effects for local sectors such as hospitality, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and culinary businesses.
The attendance of more than 200 regency heads from across Indonesia helped stimulate the local economy and reinforced
Deliserdang's position as a key event hub in
North Sumatra.
STRENGTHENING DECENTRALIZATION: APKASI Chairman Bursah Zarnubi together with regional leaders from across Indonesia during the 26th APKASI Anniversary Forum aimed at strengthening decentralization and investment networks. (PHOTO: Doc. North Sumatra Communication and Informatocs Office)
Deliserdang as Host Region
Deliserdang Regent Asri Ludin Tambunan expressed pride over APKASI's decision to designate the region as the host of its 26th anniversary. He noted that the event was not only part of the commemoration of Deliserdang's 80th anniversary and the 80th anniversary of the Indonesian National Police, but also a moment for reflection on regional development.
He also pointed to various challenges, including regulatory dynamics, digitalization of public services, strengthening food security amid climate change, and fiscal constraints in infrastructure development.
"Despite limited budgets, we are required to act creatively and innovatively without neglecting the basic rights of the people. We must unite our voices to formulate fiscal policies that are more oriented toward regional autonomy," he said.
APKASI Highlights Importance of Decentralization
APKASI Chairman Bursah Zarnubi recalled that the organization was founded 26 years ago in the wake of the 1998 reform movement to strengthen regional autonomy and decentralization in Indonesia.
He also praised the warm hospitality of
Deliserdang, which featured local cultural and culinary elements. The forum also served as a platform to strengthen networks among regency governments.
"In this forum, we will evaluate the implementation of Law No. 23 of 2014 on regional governance, strengthen economic networks, and promote investment opportunities from each regency at the national level," he said.
He added that the meeting also aimed to promote the exchange of best governance practices among regions.
More than 200 regency leaders from across Indonesia attended the event, which not only served as a forum for discussion but also deepened interregional cooperation and expanded national investment opportunities. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Darmailawati | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala