North Sumatra Government and Regional Parliament Strengthen Cooperation for 2027 Development

SIMALUNGUN | INDATANEWS.COM - The North Sumatra Provincial Government is strengthening cooperation with the North Sumatra Regional House of Representatives (DPRD Sumatera Utara) to formulate the region's development agenda for 2027. Cooperation between the executive and legislative branches is considered crucial to ensure that every policy measure and development program delivers a tangible impact on improving public welfare.

North Sumatra Deputy Governor Surya made the statement while opening the 2026 Work Meeting of the North Sumatra Provincial Regional House of Representatives on Sunday evening, August 30, 2026, at the Sopo Bolon Convention Hall & Meeting Room, Hotel Niagara Parapat, Simalungun Regency.

The North Sumatra DPRD work meeting is being held over three days, from August 30 to September 1, 2026. The forum is discussing the DPRD's performance evaluation report for the July 2025 to July 2026 period, as well as drafting and adopting the North Sumatra DPRD's work plan for 2027.

Surya said the work meeting holds strategic importance for regional governance. In addition to evaluating the DPRD's performance during the past working year, the event also serves as an important forum for determining the institution's work priorities for 2027.

"The North Sumatra Provincial Government regards the DPRD as an equal partner in governing the region. Therefore, coordination between the DPRD's work plan and the regional government's work plan must continue to be strengthened," Surya said.

He emphasized that the regional government and DPRD must align every policy, program and decision toward a common goal: improving the welfare of the people of North Sumatra.

Regional Potential as the Foundation for Development

Surya said North Sumatra has significant potential across various sectors that must be optimally utilized by the government to drive economic growth while improving public welfare.

In the economic sector, North Sumatra has strong potential in agriculture, palm oil and rubber plantations, coffee production, manufacturing, as well as micro, small and medium enterprises. These sectors make a significant contribution to regional economic activity, increasing household incomes and creating employment opportunities.

The tourism sector also offers major opportunities. Lake Toba, the Toba Caldera Geopark, the Nias Islands, and the cultural heritage of the Batak, Malay and Nias communities provide important foundations for attracting both domestic and international tourists.

According to Surya, the government must also make optimal use of North Sumatra's natural resources and energy potential. The Asahan Hydroelectric Power Plant and geothermal resources could support energy self-sufficiency while creating new investment opportunities in the region.

North Sumatra's strategic position as one of Indonesia's gateways to the western part of the country also provides significant advantages in terms of connectivity. Kuala Tanjung Port and Kualanamu International Airport could serve as drivers of trade while further strengthening North Sumatra's connections with various regions across Indonesia and overseas.

"Together with digital development and innovation through the acceleration of the electronic-based government system (SPBE) and the startup ecosystem, North Sumatra has a solid foundation to become a competitive and high-performing province," he said.

Surya said these various potentials require coordinated policy directions between the regional government and DPRD. Therefore, when discussing the General Guidelines for the Regional Budget and the Priorities and Provisional Budget Ceilings, the amendment to the 2026 Regional Budget, and the 2027 Regional Budget, public interests must remain the top priority.

Health, Education and Infrastructure Remain Priorities

Surya identified several areas that require particular attention in North Sumatra's development planning. The government and DPRD should strengthen healthcare and education services, accelerate infrastructure development, expand employment opportunities, improve social protection and provide rapid assistance to areas affected by disasters.

He also praised the role of the North Sumatra DPRD in collecting public concerns through reses activities, during which legislators meet with residents in their respective constituencies. According to Surya, the concerns gathered by legislators from communities across the region should become one of the key foundations for formulating development policies.

Public input can help the government and DPRD ensure that development programs correspond to actual needs on the ground, Surya continued. This would ensure that budget planning and work programs are not focused solely on administrative targets but also respond to the concrete problems faced by communities.

Meanwhile, North Sumatra DPRD Chairwoman Erni Ariyanti said the 2026 DPRD work meeting was an important moment for the legislature to evaluate the implementation of its institutional duties and functions during the 2025–2026 period.

Erni said the DPRD must conduct its evaluation objectively, transparently and constructively. The process should recognize achievements while identifying shortcomings, obstacles and unresolved problems in carrying out its responsibilities.

"With the start of the 2027 working year, we must develop a more measurable and results-oriented work plan for the DPRD," Erni said.

She expressed hope that the work meeting would produce a realistic, measurable, responsive and results-oriented work plan for the North Sumatra DPRD. The plan is expected to serve as a shared foundation for improving the quality of the DPRD's duties and institutional functions in 2027.

Building a Common Understanding of the Development Agenda

Secretary of the North Sumatra Provincial DPRD Muhammad Ali Sipahutar said the work meeting was also part of efforts to strengthen communication between the DPRD and the regional government. The forum provides an opportunity for both sides to develop a common understanding of the current situation and North Sumatra's development agenda.

He said close communication between the legislative and executive branches is one of the key factors in preparing a coordinated work plan. A shared understanding can help the DPRD and regional government identify development needs and determine priorities that must be supported by appropriate budget allocations.

The work meeting was attended by the leadership and all members of the North Sumatra Provincial DPRD, the DPRD Secretariat and its staff, DPRD staff and expert advisers, as well as regional government agencies of North Sumatra Province.

The work meeting is expected to enable the North Sumatra DPRD and the North Sumatra Provincial Government to align their development policy directions for 2027. Cooperation between the two institutions is crucial to ensure that development planning, budgeting and program implementation ultimately deliver tangible benefits to the people of North Sumatra. (IDNC)

REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala

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