West Sumatra Provincial Government Denies Wasting APBD on Beautifying Facilities
The West Sumatra Provincial Government (Pemprov Sumbar) has issued an official clarification regarding public scrutiny concerning the budget allocation for the rehabilitation and maintenance of government facilities in the 2026 Regional Budget (APBD). The provincial government emphasised that the budget is not intended to beautify assets for aesthetic purposes, but rather to maintain the functionality and safety of public service buildings.
The Head of the Bureau of Leadership Administration of the West Sumatra Provincial Secretariat, Nolly Eka Mardianto, explained that many regional assets have experienced a decline in physical condition due to the age of the buildings and high intensity of use.
“We need to clarify that the allocated budget is not merely to beautifying government facilities, but more towards the rehabilitation and maintenance of several assets that truly require handling to remain safe, suitable, and capable of supporting services to the community,” Nolly stated in Padang on Thursday (4/6).
Responding to assumptions regarding the government’s lack of sensitivity towards post-disaster conditions, Nolly asserted that the West Sumatra Provincial Government continues to prioritise regional recovery. He revealed that all Regional Transfer Funds (TKD) received are allocated to managing disaster impacts.
“We have received a TKD allocation of Rp2.6 trillion. All of it will be focused on disaster mitigation, post-disaster rehabilitation, and infrastructure repair,” he emphasised.
He added that the use of the budget continues to prioritise the principles of efficiency and prudence. The government claims that every regional expenditure can be accounted for and adjusted to the real needs on the ground.
The West Sumatra Provincial Government stated that it remains open to criticism and oversight from the public. Nolly mentioned that all regional expenditure allocations can be monitored directly by the public through the West Sumatra Development Dashboard website.