West Sumatra Provincial Government Denies Wasting APBD on Beautifying Facilities

The Provincial Government of West Sumatra (Pemprov Sumbar) has issued an official clarification regarding public scrutiny of the rehabilitation and maintenance budget allocation for government facilities in the 2026 Regional Budget (APBD). The provincial government asserted that the budget is not aimed at beautifying assets (aesthetics), but rather at maintaining the function and safety of public service buildings. Head of the Leadership Administration Bureau of the West Sumatra Regional Secretariat, Nolly Eka Mardianto, explained that many regional assets have suffered physical deterioration due to the age of the buildings and high intensity of use. “We need to clarify that the allocated budget is not merely to beautify government facilities, but more for the rehabilitation and maintenance of a number of assets whose conditions indeed require attention so they remain safe, fit for purpose, and able to support services to the public,” Nolly said in Padang on Thursday (4/6). Responding to assumptions of government insensitivity to post-disaster conditions, Nolly stressed that the West Sumatra Provincial Government continues to prioritise regional recovery. He revealed that all Regional Transfer Funds (TKD) received are allocated for handling the impact of disasters. “We have received a TKD allocation of Rp2.6 trillion. All of it will be focused on disaster mitigation, post-disaster rehabilitation, and infrastructure repairs,” he asserted. He added that budget utilisation continues to prioritise the principles of efficiency and prudence. The government claims every regional expenditure is accountable and tailored to real needs on the ground. The West Sumatra Provincial Government stated it is open to criticism and oversight from the public. Nolly mentioned that all regional spending allocations can be directly monitored by the public through the West Sumatra Development Dashboard website. “The provincial government is pleased that the public is willing to be involved in observing our budget usage. This is proof that we are not hiding anything. We convey everything transparently, openly, and in real-time,” Nolly concluded.