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.
LBH Medan Questions Governance PrioritiesLBH Medan Director Irvan Saputra, S.H., M.H., questioned the policy direction of the Medan City Government under Mayor Rico Waas, stating that the decision contradicts the principles of good governance.
"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.
Taxpayer Funds Under ScrutinyIrvan further argued that the city's budget policy shows a lack of clear prioritization. While fundamental public issues remain unresolved, significant public funds are being directed toward facilities of vertical institutions.
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.
CRITICISM OF MEDAN CITY BUDGET POLICY: LBH Medan Director Irvan Saputra reiterates concerns over budget policies deemed non-transparent and misaligned with the city's basic public needs. (PHOTO: Doc. LBH Medan)
Concerns Over Vertical Institution FundingLBH Medan also raised concerns over the appropriateness of financing vertical institutions, pointing out that the Indonesian National Police already receives substantial funding from the State Budget (APBN), which is projected at Rp145.65 trillion for 2026.
"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.
Human Rights and Governance Standards CitedThe organization further warned of possible violations of human rights principles and good governance standards. It referenced the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia, particularly Article 28D(1), 28H(1), and 28C(2), as well as international frameworks including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), ratified under Law No. 12/2005.
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.
Call for Transparency and Legal ActionLBH Medan urged the Medan City Government to halt the Rp10 billion budget allocation and demanded full transparency regarding planning documents, feasibility studies, and funding justification.
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