PRIME NEWS POST
The INDONESIAN, (Mandailing Natal) — Handling of alleged corruption involving the Accelerated Stunting Reduction Program budget in Mandailing Natal Regency for fiscal years 2022‑2023 remains under public scrutiny. Although investigation work has proceeded and dozens of witnesses have been examined, no suspect has yet been formally named in the case covering a total budget of roughly Rp 103 billion.
Muhammad Yakub Lubis, Head of the Mandailing Natal chapter of the civil society organisation TAMPERAK, stated the public is entitled to clear updates on a matter that has drawn wide attention.
“The investigation has run for quite some time and many parties have been questioned. People naturally expect legal certainty so this case does not feed speculation,” Yakub said.
Similar concern was voiced by prominent North Sumatra youth figure Ade Batubara. In his view, the North Sumatra High Prosecutor’s Office must maintain public trust through transparency and firmness in handling the file.
“If the inquiry has been ongoing long enough and dozens of witnesses already heard, the public reasonably expects clarity on where the process stands. The High Prosecutor’s Office should share progress reports openly and proportionally, so it does not look as though the case is standing still,” Ade Batubara remarked.
He emphasised that citizens respect legal procedures and the presumption of innocence — yet they also have the right to follow developments in a matter involving large‑scale use of state funds.
“This is no small amount: roughly Rp 103 billion drawn from public contributions and allocated directly for community health purposes. Where evidence is sufficient, investigators must have the resolve to take the next legal steps, including identifying those responsible. Issues touching broad public welfare should never seem to be held indefinitely without clear explanation,” he stressed.
Dozens of Witnesses Examined
The case is led by the North Sumatra High Prosecutor’s Office. Those called for questioning include various Mandailing Natal Regency officials — from relevant agencies and local government units, village heads, community health centre chiefs, and technical officers involved in programme delivery.
Deputy Regent of Mandailing Natal, Atika Azmi Utammi Nasution, is also known to have testified as a witness. Alongside witness statements, investigators have gathered documentary evidence to build the case file.
Stakes Involve Children’s Future
Ade Batubara noted this type of corruption carries deeper weight, as it concerns health programmes and the development of the younger generation.
“If funds meant for stunting reduction are misused, the harm goes far beyond state finances — it strikes at the nation’s future. The programme exists to ensure children get proper nutrition and health services. When resources are diverted, the loss is not just money; it is children’s right to grow up healthy and capable,” he argued.
He urged prioritised enforcement because the interests at stake are widely shared. “Law enforcement serves not only to punish wrongdoing, but also to deter abuse and guarantee every rupiah reaches those it is meant to serve. This is fundamentally about human welfare, public health, and regional development,” Ade added.
Available records show the programme budget reached around Rp 34 billion in 2022, rising to approximately Rp 69 billion in 2023 — totalling close to Rp 103 billion over the two‑year period.
So far, the High Prosecutor’s Office has stated proceedings continue in accordance with applicable law. Civil society groups, however, call for more tangible progress to avoid unnecessary delays.
“The public does not demand unprofessional haste — what we seek is certainty, transparency, and a serious commitment to fully investigate alleged misuse of funds meant for the people,” Muhammad Yakub Lubis concluded.
(Editorial / Regional Report)
Compiled from multiple sourcesReported from various media sources //photo from Google documents // contribution by Prime News Post international online media // news.paper
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