The procurement of goods and services by the government of North Sumatra must be professional, transparent, and accountable
The Acting Regional Secretary of the Province of North Sumatra (Sumut), Sulaiman Harahap, emphasized that the procurement of goods and services forms the spearhead of the implementation of APBD expenditures and is decisive for the success of regional development. Therefore, every phase of procurement must be carried out professionally, transparently, and accountably.
Sulaiman Harahap made this statement during the opening of session XI of the webinar titled “Accountability in the procurement of goods and services: contractual responsibility for the follow-up of audit results,” which took place virtually from the Regional Secretary’s meeting room in the office of the Governor of North Sumatra, Jalan Pangeran Diponegoro No. 30, Medan.
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According to Sulaiman Harahap, virtually all regional development programs in 2026 will depend on the procurement process. However, this sector also entails a high legal and administrative risk if it is not managed carefully and in accordance with regulations.
“Tendering is not just about signing a contract or completing the work. It is our responsibility to ensure that the work actually meets the specifications, quality requirements, implementation time, and contract value, so that every rupiah of the regional budget actually benefits the community,” he emphasized.
He also underscored the importance of following up on audit results. The evaluation revealed several recurring findings, such as insufficient work volume, uncollected fines for late payments, and weaknesses in the accountability records. According to him, findings that are not followed up on in a timely manner can affect the quality of governance and accountability in regional financial management.
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On that occasion, Sulaiman Harahap invited all regional officials to make three joint commitments. First, to change the mindset that tendering is a mandate to manage public funds. Second, to strengthen the administration by producing complete, accurate, and accountable documents. Thirdly, ensuring that every audit result is followed up with a clear action plan, designated responsible parties, and measurable objectives for completion.
He also asked speakers from the Government Goods/Services Procurement Policy Institute (LKPP) and the North Sumatra Provincial Inspectorate to share best practices, case studies, and various potential legal risks that must be taken into account, so that the presented information can be applied directly by commitment officers (PPK), technical implementation officers (PPTK), and procurement officers in the field.
“This webinar is not merely a ceremonial activity, but an investment in knowledge to strengthen procurement policy, so that it becomes increasingly professional, transparent, and accountable. The knowledge gained must be applied in every procurement process to improve the quality of public service delivery and strengthen public trust in the government,” said Sulaiman Harahap.
Meanwhile, Agustinus Panjaitan, Head of the North Sumatra Human Resources Development Agency (BPSDM), stated that the activity aimed to increase the understanding of State officials (ASN) regarding the procurement of goods and services.
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According to him, improving the competence of the ASN is a strategic step to strengthen the role of the Government Internal Supervision Body (APIP) in supporting Regional Government Organizations (OPD).
The support provided by APIP must ensure that every phase of the procurement of goods and services is carried out in accordance with legal provisions, thereby creating transparent, effective, efficient, and accountable administration.
The speakers at the webinar were: Raden Ari Widianto, Director of Legal Affairs at the Public Prosecution Service (LKPP), and Hafidz Tigor Barita, Special Inspector of the North Sumatra Provincial Inspectorate.
Representatives of the North Sumatra Provincial Government and district/municipal government agencies throughout North Sumatra attended the event. ***REL
