ASIATODAY.ID, BIMA – The National Urban Flood Resilience Project (NUFReP), a major flood control initiative in Bima City, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) funded by the World Bank, has come under fire after being officially reported to the Bima District Attorney’s Office.
The Rp238 billion (approx. USD 15 million) project is alleged to be riddled with problems, ranging from poor-quality concrete drainage to suspected involvement of a local legislator.
The report was filed on August 20, 2025, by the Transparency and Anti-Corruption Policy Institute (Latskar).
“We reported the Commitment-Making Officer (PPK), the contractor PT Nindya Karya, and a Bima City legislator, identified as S, who allegedly supplied construction materials for the project,” said Imam Plur, Latskar’s representative, on Saturday, Sept 6, 2025.
Cracked Concrete Drainage Raises Quality Concerns
According to Imam, irregularities became apparent when multiple U-shaped concrete culverts used in the drainage system were found broken and cracked. This, he alleged, was due to substandard material mixtures that did not meet technical specifications.
“Many of the damaged concrete structures were still included in the project. We suspect serious compromises in quality, which directly harms the people of Bima,” he emphasized.
Local Legislator Allegedly Involved
The report also implicates a Bima City Council member identified as S, who allegedly supplied gravel—a key material for the culverts—through his own company.
“This is not only a matter of quality but also a clear conflict of interest. We urge prosecutors to act swiftly,” Imam added.
Head of Special Crimes at the Bima District Attorney’s Office, Catur Hidayat Putra, also known as Yabo, confirmed the report. However, he stressed that the case is still under preliminary review.
“There is indeed a report regarding the concrete structures in the flood control project at Amahami, Bima City. But it is still under our team’s examination, so we cannot disclose further details,” he stated briefly.
World Bank Cancels Field Visit, Project Faces Relocation Risk
Sources revealed that, in the wake of the corruption allegations, the World Bank canceled its scheduled inspection in Bima. In addition, unresolved land acquisition issues have placed the project at risk of being relocated to Mataram City instead.
This case highlights yet another controversy in Indonesia’s infrastructure projects, raising concerns over governance, accountability, and the credibility of international development programs. (AT Network)
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