Lombok Tengah KDKMP Project Foremen Demand Rp 4.5 Billion in Arrears, Kodim Commander Denies Funds Routed to Former Officials

He lamented Kodim Lombok Tengah’s choice of work partners, as payments made did not match the progress terms on-site.

"Please, do not let us, the foremen, and our teams become victims of this error. Because those funds never reached us," he said.

Dandim’s Clarification

In a separate interview, Letkol Arh Mohamad Arifin, Commander of Kodim 1620 Lombok Tengah, denied allegations that KDKMP project funds in Lombok Tengah flowed to former Kodim officials.

He said Tarjono had clarified these claims after meeting with the former official at Korem 162 Wira Bhakti in Mataram some time ago.

"Regarding this matter, it has been denied through a video clarification by Tarjono. Tarjono himself stated there was no fund flow to previous Kodim officials, none. This is purely due to the consultant’s failure in managing labor, budgeting, and project progress," Arifin emphasized.

When asked if the leadership change of Kodim 1620 Lombok Tengah in July 2026 was related to the allegations of receiving Rp 10 billion from the consultant or development partner, Arifin firmly denied any connection.

"No connection at all. Rotation and reassignment within the TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces) is very rapid currently because the leadership expects younger officers to become battalion commanders. Therefore, leadership changes are accelerated — unrelated to the present situation," he stated.

According to Arifin, the foremen protests since August 2026 are disputes between Tarjono as consultant or partner and the foremen.

However, as a duty, he stressed Kodim has already provided budgets in accordance with the percentage of completed work.

"But apparently, the consultant was not trustworthy," Arifin said.

He assured Kodim 1620 Lombok Tengah is taking action. Mediation has been conducted, resulting in a statement from Tarjono expressing readiness to fulfill foremen’s payments.

Arifin acknowledged that the construction of 63 KDKMP units in Lombok Tengah has faced obstacles but believes these can be resolved. Twenty-eight units have already been completed 100 percent.

At Kodim 1620 Lombok Tengah’s office, many materials such as paint and gypsum ceiling planks are available for KDKMP construction. This is to accelerate completion so that the cooperative can benefit the community.

Video Clarification

Meanwhile, according to a video received by Kompas.com, Tarjono denied that any suppliers or foremen have not been paid.

He explained that he synchronizes billing data submitted by foremen and suppliers with progress and assessments from consultants. Therefore, he urged foremen not to worry about their payment settlements.