**North Sumatra – 27 August 2026**
A fund of Rp 250 million, presented by Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs (Menko Polkam) Djamari Chaniago during his visit to Dolok Nauli village in the Adiankoting sub‑district of North Tapanuli on 4 December 2025, has been redirected to support local villages and the sub‑district administration.
Village head Jonas Aritonang confirmed that the money was intended as a “replacement for souvenir gifts” that the minister would normally give to village leaders. According to Aritonang, the minister also provided food parcels and cash envelopes directly to residents at the time of the visit.
After receiving the fund, Aritonang was instructed by the then‑sub‑district secretary, Lam Miduk Sinaga (now sub‑district head), to consult with North Tapanuli regent JTP Hutabarat for guidance on its use. The fund was subsequently handed to Lam Miduk, who coordinated its distribution to 16 villages in the Adiankoting sub‑district.
The allocation breakdown is as follows:
* Eleven villages received Rp 5 million each.
* Five villages that were affected by recent disasters – Dolok Nauli, Adiankoting, Pagaran Pisang, Sibalanga, and Pagaran Lambung I – received Rp 13 million each.
In total, Rp 120 million was distributed to the 16 villages. Lam Miduk said the money is being used to meet post‑disaster needs that were not covered by existing village budgets, such as repairing infrastructure and providing basic supplies.
Lam Miduk also indicated that a portion of the fund remains unspent. He plans to use the remaining amount to support a coordinated “gotong royong” (community‑wide mutual assistance) activity across the sub‑district in the near future.
The original fund of Rp 250 million therefore shows a discrepancy of Rp 130 million that has not been accounted for in the publicly disclosed allocations. Local officials have not provided a detailed explanation of how the remaining balance will be utilized or audited.
Transparency advocates have called for a full accounting of the fund’s receipt, distribution, and expenditure to ensure public oversight and accountability.
*The article is based on statements from village head Jonas Aritonang and sub‑district head Lam Miduk Sinaga, as reported by Media Indonesia.*
Article and image source: mediaindonesia.com
