Judge Says Typhoon Ginting Was Powerful, Shifting Rp 157 Billion Budget Without Procedure

MEDAN, KOMPAS – Former Head of the Public Works and Spatial Planning Office of North Sumatra Province, Topan Obaja Ginting, was presented in a corruption trial at the Medan District Court on Thursday (2/10/2025). The panel of judges questioned why Topan had such power to shift and manage the budget without following procedures and with unreasonable deadlines.

The panel of judges, led by Khamozaro Waruwu, also further examined the role of North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution in the budget reallocation of two road construction projects in North Padanglawas Regency, namely the construction of the Sipiongot-Labuhanbatu road valued at Rp 96 billion and the Hutaimbaru-Sipiongot road valued at Rp 61.8 billion.

"Budget shifts require an evaluation. However, in reality, there was no evaluation, except for Topan's presentation at the North Sumatra Regional Government Budget Team (TAPD) meeting. This means Topan is very powerful," Khamozaro said.

Khamozaro stated that, based on the trial facts, there was something very odd about the progress of the two projects since the budget shift. The panel of judges will look for mens rea, or malicious intent, that was evident since the budget shift.

Topan has been appointed as the Head of the Public Works and Spatial Planning Office of North Sumatra through a decree dated February 21, 2025, one day after Bobby's inauguration as the Governor of North Sumatra. Previously, Topan was an aide to Bobby when he was still the Mayor of Medan.

Khamozaro stated that the meeting regarding the budget shift was conducted by the TAPD on March 12, 2025. Just one day later, Bobby had already signed the Governor of North Sumatra Regulation Number 16 of 2025 concerning the Third Amendment to the Elaboration of the North Sumatra APBD 2025. The budget shift was carried out through the regulation without the approval of the North Sumatra Regional House of Representatives.

The panel of judges questioned that the budget shifts without going through the approval scheme of the North Sumatra Regional House of Representatives should only be carried out in the event of a natural disaster or other urgent circumstances. However, until May 2025, budget shifts have been conducted six times solely through the gubernatorial regulation scheme.

"Meanwhile, the construction project for these two road segments lacks planning documents, there is no request from the regent, and there are no analyses or feasibility studies regarding the urgent situation. Suddenly, project values of IDR 96 billion and IDR 61.8 billion appeared. Did the governor provide any directives?" Khamozaro asked Topan.

Topan responded that Bobby did not provide any specific instructions regarding the two projects that are the subject of the corruption case. Topan acknowledged that he approached the governor regarding the plan to construct the two road segments. "If it is indeed important, then please proceed," Topan quoted the governor's directive.

Topan, who appeared as a witness at the trial, admitted that Bobby had participated in surveying the two road sections. The group, consisting of approximately 50 vehicles, also conducted an off-roading trip on April 22, 2025, including the prospective contractor who ultimately won the project's tender.

The two contractors are M Akhirun Efendi Piliang, serving as the President Director of PT Dalihan Natolu Grup, and his son, M Rayhan Dulasmi Piliang, who is the Director of PT Rona Namora, both of whom are defendants in the corruption case. Topan stated that he only saw the contractors and did not engage in conversation during the survey.

Topan also acknowledged that he met with Akhirun four times, including at the North Sumatra Public Works and Spatial Planning Office, the North Sumatra Energy and Mineral Resources Office, and at the City Hall Hotel in Medan. Akhirun had also asked Topan for assistance in expediting the issuance of a mining permit for excavation materials. Topan, who also serves as the Acting Head of the North Sumatra Energy and Mineral Resources Office, promptly issued the permit.

"When I met at the City Hall Hotel, I was offered money by Akhirun. I immediately left the place because when it comes to money, I do not want to be involved," said Topan. Topan also denied receiving a commission from two road construction projects in Padanglawas Utara.

Topan's statement contradicts that of Rasuli Efendi Siregar, the former Head of the Gunung Tua UPTD of the North Sumatra Public Works and Housing Office. Topan's subordinate stated that from the beginning, Topan directed that the project be carried out by Akhirun. Both Topan and Rasuli have also been designated as suspects in the corruption case and are currently awaiting the transfer of the case files to the court.

Rasuli was summoned by Topan to his office at the North Sumatra Energy and Mineral Resources Office. Upon arrival, Akhirun was already in Topan's office. Topan requested that Rasuli arrange the auction process through the e-catalog.

Rasuli then introduced Akhirun to the planning consultant. The planning consultant prepared the planning documents together with the prospective contractor. Rasuli acknowledged that the planning documents are state secrets. The planning consultant cannot meet with the prospective contractor.

However, what happened was that the prospective contractor actually participated in preparing the planning documents. The prospective contractor even adjusted the costs, prices, and even the work volume.

When everything was prepared, Rasuli returned to face Topan. Topan then requested that a project offer be issued immediately through the e-catalog and arranged for Akhirun to be the auction winner. "Play it," said Rasuli, mimicking Topan's command.

Rasuli admitted to being promised a commission of 0.7 – 1 percent of the project value. He has already received Rp 50 million from Akhirun. The project was then offered through the e-catalog on Thursday (26/6/2025) at 17:32. Subsequently, at 23:34, there was an announcement of the auction winner, namely PT Dalihan Natolu Grup.

The panel of judges also questioned defendant Akhirun about Topan's statement. "Brother Akhirun, I've seen you smiling all this time. Which is correct, Topan or Rasuli? Topan said there was no fee commitment. Rasuli said there was. Was there?" Khamozaro asked.

Akhirun responded that Topan requested a commission when they met. "Mr. Topan's language, you understand the customary practice so far, right?" said Akhirun. According to Akhirun, the customary practice has been that the Head of the Public Works and Spatial Planning Office receives a four percent commission.

Akhirun also agreed to Topan's request. When they met at the City Hall Hotel, Akhirun stated that he had also given Rp 50 million through Topan's aide named Aldi. Topan exited the hotel and waited for his aide in the car.