Friday, 04 September 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - North Sumatra Governor, Bobby Nasution, emphasized that independence cannot be honored through ceremonial celebrations alone. The spirit of independence must be realized through concrete action so that development delivers tangible benefits and produces results that can be directly felt by the people.
Bobby made the remarks at a state reception commemorating the 81st anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Indonesia at the provincial level in North Sumatra. The event was held on Monday evening, August 17, 2026, at the Tengku Rizal Nurdin Hall, 41 Jalan Sudirman, Medan.
The reception was also attended by consuls general from friendly countries and numerous other invited guests. On the occasion, Bobby underscored the importance of cooperation among the government, business sector, communities, and friendly countries in advancing the development of North Sumatra.
In Bobby's view, development goals must not remain mere aspirations. All stakeholders must work together to turn various development targets into reality.
"A goal is only truly achieved when it has become a reality," Bobby stressed.
Bobby said North Sumatra possesses abundant natural resources and enormous development potential. Lake Toba is one of the region's key strengths, alongside numerous other natural resources spread across various areas.
According to Bobby, these potentials must be managed responsibly and sustainably by the government. Proper management would enable the region's resources to deliver greater benefits to the people while strengthening North Sumatra's competitiveness.
He therefore called on all sectors of society to further strengthen cooperation. The government, businesses, communities, and friendly countries each have an important role to play in promoting economic growth and improving public welfare.
In his view, this spirit of collective effort is also part of North Sumatra's efforts to contribute to the realization of the vision of "Golden Indonesia 2045."
Bobby then praised the message delivered by Malaysian Consul General in Medan, Shahril Nizam Abdul Malek, who compared development to a traditional competition involving the climbing of a pinang palm. Bobby said the analogy illustrated that development can only move forward successfully through the contribution of many parties.
"The spirit of cooperation is in line with the message from the Malaysian Consul General, who compared development to a Panjat Pinang competition. To reach the top, no single party can stand alone. Some climb, while others provide support, guidance, and make sure no one falls. With this spirit of togetherness, the 'prize' at the top is not merely a competition prize, but prosperity, opportunities, and a better future for the entire people of North Sumatra," Bobby said.
In addition to highlighting the importance of cooperation, Bobby also praised the Malaysian Consul General's call to remove various obstacles that continue to hamper the development process.
He said the government must be present by providing the best possible public services. At the same time, it must create an investment- and business-friendly environment, particularly through simple public services and straightforward licensing procedures.
Bobby reminded all stakeholders not to create difficulties for either the public or businesses when dealing with government institutions.
"Do not make things unnecessarily difficult for the people. When we, as human beings, are obstructed by other people, the frustration is enormous," he said.
Bobby believes that improving public services is a concrete way of giving meaning to the spirit of independence. The government must not only build infrastructure but also ensure that people have easy, fast, and reliable access to public services.
He expressed hope that the spirit of independence would continue to be reflected in various development programs. Strengthening investment, improving the quality of public services, and sustainably utilizing regional potential are among the responsibilities that the government must continue to advance.
Bobby believes strong cooperation among various stakeholders will increase North Sumatra's opportunities to strengthen its competitiveness. The region must optimize its existing resources while creating opportunities for cooperation with friendly countries.
Such cooperation, Bobby added, should not be limited to investment. It can extend to various sectors that support development and improve the welfare of the people.
"Through synergy among the government, the people, businesses, and friendly countries, North Sumatra is expected to further strengthen its competitiveness and make a concrete contribution to realizing Golden Indonesia 2045. We hope that in 2045, North Sumatra will be the brightest gold," he said.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Consul General in Medan Shahril Nizam Abdul Malek, representing the friendly countries, highlighted North Sumatra's potential and development direction.
Shahril used the traditional Panjat Pinang climbing competition as a symbol of the importance of cooperation in development. In his view, each participant in the competition has a different role in achieving a common goal.
"No one can reach the top through their own strength alone. The strongest person is at the bottom, the lightest may be at the top, while the most experienced determines the strategy. Everyone must trust one another," he said.
Shahril also pointed to North Sumatra's vast potential in various sectors, ranging from agriculture and plantations to industry and tourism. However, the government and all stakeholders must continue strengthening infrastructure and connectivity so that this potential can be developed to its fullest.
Simplifying licensing procedures is also an important factor in attracting investment. According to Shahril, such support can stimulate economic growth, create jobs, increase investment, and at the same time strengthen the skills and capabilities of the local population.
Shahril subsequently compared North Sumatra's potential to a durian fruit. From the outside, the fruit may look attractive, but the right method is needed to open it and enjoy what is inside.
"If you open it the wrong way, you will hurt yourself. If the process has too many thorns, investors may decide to eat another fruit instead," he said.
Shahril therefore reaffirmed the commitment of friendly countries' representatives in North Sumatra to jointly explore various opportunities for cooperation. They are prepared to advance partnerships in investment, tourism, education, trade, and international relations.
At the conclusion of his remarks, Shahril also commended Bobby Nasution's leadership in promoting infrastructure development and economic transformation in North Sumatra. He also highlighted the government's attention to the development of the Nias Islands.
The state reception was also attended by North Sumatra TP PKK Chairwoman Kahiyang Ayu, North Sumatra Deputy Governor Surya, North Sumatra TP PKK Adviser Titiek Sugiharti, Acting North Sumatra Provincial Secretary Timur Tumanggor, representatives of the North Sumatra Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda), executives of regional enterprises, university rectors, coaches, and members of the ceremony's flag-raising team.
The 81st anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Indonesia in North Sumatra thus became a moment to further strengthen the shared commitment to development. For Bobby, independence must continue to be translated into concrete development, better public services, a stronger economy, and a more prosperous future for the people of North Sumatra. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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