Wednesday, 30 September 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution has called on the Minangkabau Family Association (Ikatan Keluarga Minangkabau/IKM) in North Sumatra to strengthen cooperation with the North Sumatra Provincial Government to promote the growth of the community-based economy and the development of the halal industry in the region.
The call was made when Bobby Nasution attended the inauguration of the Provincial Leadership Council (DPW IKM) of North Sumatra for the 2024–2029 term on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Raja Inal Siregar Hall at the North Sumatra Governor's Office, Jalan Diponegoro No. 30, Medan.
Bobby emphasized that the Minangkabau community plays an important role in stimulating economic activities in various regions where its members have settled. The Minangkabau people's ability to adapt to new environments and build business networks, he said, could become an important strength for economic growth in North Sumatra.
Therefore, Bobby called on Minangkabau families in North Sumatra not only to strengthen their organizational and social activities, but also to participate in developing high-potential economic sectors, particularly the halal industry and the sharia-based economy.
In his speech, Bobby Nasution said Indonesia has a very large Muslim population, creating broad opportunities for the development of various sectors of the halal industry, ranging from trade, food and beverages to services as well as sharia-based financial products and services.
At the same time, he said this potential still needs to be further developed, particularly through industrial development and greater public awareness of sharia-based financial systems.
"Indonesia is the country with the largest Muslim population. However, we still need to further maximize the potential of the halal industry and financial literacy in the sharia sector. I am giving the Minangkabau community in North Sumatra a task while also inviting them to work with us to strengthen the regional economy through the potential of the halal industry and sharia-based trade," Bobby Nasution said.
Bobby expressed hope that IKM North Sumatra could become one of the partners contributing to the development of this potential. The strength of the community and the networks established by Minangkabau people who have migrated to other regions could help the government expand economic activities while creating new business opportunities for the public.
Cooperation between the government and community organizations could also focus on strengthening businesses, improving market access and developing economic activities that benefit a broader segment of society.
The presence of IKM North Sumatra could further strengthen this synergy, Bobby said, given the association's extensive network of Minangkabau communities across various regions of North Sumatra.
Chairman of the IKM Central Executive Board (DPP IKM), Andre Rosiade, reaffirmed the association's readiness to become a strategic partner of regional governments in areas where Minangkabau communities live.
Andre said the commitment was in line with the Minangkabau philosophy, "Di mana bumi dipijak, di situ langit dijunjung," which can be interpreted as
"Wherever the earth is stepped on, there the sky is upheld."
He said the philosophy serves as a foundation for Minangkabau people to respect the regions where they live while contributing to their development.
"Invite us to become a strategic partner of the provincial government. InsyaAllah, we will fully support the government's efforts to develop North Sumatra," he said.
Andre also discussed the dynamics of the development and social life of Minangkabau communities in the diaspora. The discussion took place in a more relaxed atmosphere as he addressed Minangkabau families and representatives of the North Sumatra Provincial Government.
In addition to organizational matters and regional development issues, Andre, who also serves as president of Semen Padang FC, brought a lighter atmosphere to the event with humorous remarks and optimistic comments about the dynamics of national football competition.
As a result, the inauguration was not merely an organizational event but also provided a forum for dialogue among IKM officials, representatives of the Minangkabau community, regional government officials and various community groups.
The cooperation being developed between IKM and the government is also not limited to the economic sector. The association has expressed its readiness to participate in various social and community activities in North Sumatra.
The newly inaugurated chairman of DPW IKM North Sumatra, Delfitri Munir, reaffirmed the commitment of the board under his leadership to support the development programs of the North Sumatra Provincial Government.
Delfitri said IKM North Sumatra would expand its organizational structure to the regency and city levels. The expansion of the leadership structure is intended to improve coordination while strengthening the association's presence within the community.
In addition to expanding its organizational structure, IKM North Sumatra also plans to increase its participation in various social and community activities. This is part of the association's efforts to make a concrete contribution to people in the regions.
At the inauguration, Delfitri Munir assumed the chairmanship of DPW IKM North Sumatra. He will be assisted by Afrizal Chandra Piliang as secretary-general and Gervan Abbas as treasurer.
The inauguration of DPW IKM North Sumatra for the 2024–2029 term was also attended by Ade Jona Prasetyo, a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) from the Gerindra Party faction and chairman of the Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (BPP HIPMI). Representatives of the North Sumatra Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda), heads of regional agencies, representatives of the Minangkabau community and alumni of Andalas University were also present.
The presence of various community and institutional representatives highlighted the broad support and network surrounding the activities of the Minangkabau community in North Sumatra.
Following the inauguration, a meeting was held between IKM board members and representatives of the Minangkabau community. The gathering provided participants with an opportunity to strengthen communication and build closer relations among different segments of the Minangkabau community in North Sumatra.
The event concluded with a dinner attended by representatives of the North Sumatra Provincial Government. Through the series of activities, IKM North Sumatra reaffirmed its role as a community organization that not only maintains family ties and Minangkabau culture but also contributes to regional development.
The cooperation envisioned by IKM North Sumatra and the North Sumatra Provincial Government is expected to be further expanded across various sectors, particularly in strengthening the community-based economy, developing the halal industry, promoting sharia-based trade and supporting social activities that address the needs of the public. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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