North Sumatra Governor Supports Comprehensive Corruption Prevention
Medan (ANTARA) - The Governor of North Sumatra, Bobby Nasution, supports the implementation of comprehensive corruption prevention involving all regional government stakeholders.
“It must be comprehensive because North Sumatra and other regions consist of many stakeholders who are naturally interconnected,” Bobby explained following the Coordination Meeting on Strengthening Regional Government Governance and Corruption Prevention in North Sumatra at the North Sumatra Governor’s Office, Medan, on Thursday.
The Governor stated that corruption prevention cannot focus solely on the regional government, as many stakeholders are linked to local authorities.
During this coordination meeting, the Governor of North Sumatra, together with 33 regional heads across North Sumatra, signed a joint commitment with the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to improve government governance.
“Therefore, a collective effort is required to ensure that corruption prevention and handling are carried out thoroughly,” said Bobby.
He ensured that the North Sumatra Provincial Government, along with 3undred and 3 regional heads and local regional parliaments (DPRD), is committed to improving governance and strengthening integrity.
The Governor emphasised that the presence of the KPK in North Sumatra serves as a reminder for local governments to continuously enhance integrity in their administration.
“Together with other regional heads and the DPRD, we are committed to improving, anticipating, and preventing corruption. The KPK today reminds us to continue increasing our integrity,” said Bobby.
KPK Deputy Chairman Johanis Tanak stated that the role of the Government Internal Supervisory Apparatus (APIP) is vital in efforts to improve governance. According to him, the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) can strengthen the position of APIP in the regions so that it serves as an early warning system for regional heads and civil servants (ASN).
“We also need to strengthen the position of APIP. They should not only be appointed in the regions but must also receive approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs,” he noted.
“Therefore, they cannot be dismissed by regional heads or officials; it must be the Ministry of Home Affairs. Furthermore, we must strengthen their legal framework through a Presidential Regulation (Perpres),” added Johanis.
Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Akhmad Wiyagus stated that the position of APIP in preventing corruption within regional governments is crucial, as deviations occurring in the regions can be detected and addressed before entering the legal realm.
“If the APIP is high-quality, then governance will function better. If there are deviations, there is an option for restitution before it reaches law enforcement agencies (APH),” he asserted.
“If it is not implemented, only then does it proceed to law enforcement. APIP is a partner to the regional government; therefore, they are not someone to be avoided,” he explained.