Medan Mayor's China Trip Permission Denied as Governor Rejects Hindrance Claims

Medan Mayor Rico Waas stated that his trip to China for medical treatment had received approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri). However, North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution, who denied the permit, said he was merely following central government directives to restrict official overseas travel for regional leaders.

Speaking after a post-disaster recovery meeting at the parliamentary complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Monday (25 May 2026), Bobby said: “The authority to grant overseas travel permits lies with the Minister of Home Affairs. The President had previously instructed the Minister to take note, and as subordinates of both the Minister and the President, we communicated this to North Sumatra.”

Bobby explained that his office only reports to the Ministry regarding regional leaders traveling abroad. If the Ministry issues the permit, then the trip complies with regulations. “There’s no need to overcomplicate it. If the Ministry has approved it, then it’s in line with the rules,” he added.

He acknowledged rejecting the overseas travel application from Medan City Government and Medan Regional House of Representatives members for their China trip, stating it was to adhere to central government instructions limiting official foreign travel. “When we’ve rejected such requests or faced difficulties, it’s simply because we’re following directives from the central government and the Minister of Home Affairs, who advised ‘limiting these trips where possible’”, Bobby said. “Especially when a large delegation of both executive and legislative members planned to travel to China. I rejected the application. If this is seen as obstruction, I’m merely fulfilling my duty.”

Previously, Rico confirmed he had notified the Ministry of Home Affairs about his overseas medical treatment. He also admitted communication with the North Sumatra Provincial Government had not been optimal. “I am indeed abroad receiving treatment. I had planned this well in advance but couldn’t arrange the timing earlier. With the current holiday period, I decided to travel and had already informed the Ministry about the agenda,” said Rico Tri Putra Bayu Waas in a statement on Sunday (17 May).