Jokowi Highlights Medan Regional Budget IDR1.8 Trillion Still In The Bank, This Is Bobby Nasution's Explanation

Medan Mayor Bobby Nasution (Satria H/VOI)

MEDAN - Medan Mayor Bobby Nasution responded to the Regional Budget worth IDR 1.8 trillion that is still stored in the bank. President Joko Widodo previously highlighted the district/city budgets, including Medan, which were stored in banks.

Mayor of Medan Bobby Nasution explained the reason for the preservation of the Medan City Budget.

"This activity is still ongoing, but it hasn't been completed yet, so it can't be paid. If it's finished, there will be a payment", said Bobby Nasution at Medan City Hall, Friday, September 17.

According to Bobby, the city's APBD (Regional Budget) that is stored in the bank is not IDR 1.8 trillion, but IDR 1.6 trillion.

"The most important thing is from the budget submitted, from what is still in the bank, I have already conveyed what percentage of the IDR 1.6 trillion, what percentage of the project has been running but has not been paid for. Some are not yet running. This is what we are mapping", he said.

Bobby Nasution emphasized that the APBD is very influential in driving the economy. Especially, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic

"We use this as much as possible to drive the economy in the region", he said.

Previously, President Joko Widodo reminded Medan Mayor Bobby Nasution to immediately absorb regional spending.

This was conveyed by President Jokowi when giving a briefing to Forkopimda (Regional Leadership Coordination Forum) throughout North Sumatra at the official residence of the Governor of North Sumatra, Medan, Thursday, September 16.

According to the President, by absorbing regional spending, there will be a lot of money circulating in the community.

"What needs to be done is the realization of the APBD as soon as possible in all regencies/cities, so that the circulation of money in cities/regencies increases", said Jokowi.

Currently, said Jokowi, Medan City is the highest area with the APBD that is still stored in the bank. Jokowi revealed the amount of Medan City APBD that is still stored in the bank is IDR 1.3 trillion.

"The realization of the APBD in North Sumatra is 55 percent, the lowest in Mandailing Natal is 28 percent. Be careful. APBD in Medan's largest IDR 1.3 trillion in banks, try to check", said Jokowi.

"Immediately carry out the realization of the budget as soon as possible, to move the economy in the region", he continued.