Saturday, 31 October 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The Governor of North Sumatra, Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution, is promoting the development of creative villages that can strengthen local economies through innovation based on regional potential. He stressed that regional development must go beyond building new infrastructure. It must also improve people's skills, expand business opportunities and generate sustainable economic benefits.
Bobby made the remarks as five regional heads presented proposals for the 2026 Kampung Kreatif Sumut Berkah (KKSB) programme after being shortlisted. The meeting took place on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, in the Governor's Meeting Room on the tenth floor of the North Sumatra Governor's Office at 30 Jalan Diponegoro, Medan.
The five regional heads presenting their proposals were Karo Regent Antonius Ginting, Dairi Regent Vickner Sinaga, Samosir Regent Vandiko Timotius Gultom, South Tapanuli Regent Gus Irawan Pasaribu and Toba Regent Effendi Sintong Panangian Napitupulu.
Bobby praised the five regions for developing programmes tailored to their respective characteristics and strengths. He expressed hope that the shortlisted proposals would receive support from the North Sumatra Provincial Government and be implemented in 2027.
"Congratulations on having your proposals shortlisted. Although several regions submitted applications, not all were given the opportunity to present their proposals in person. Hopefully, we will have the opportunity to support the proposed initiatives in 2027," Bobby said.
Bobby explained that the KKSB programme's assessment would not focus solely on construction projects. The North Sumatra Provincial Government would also consider how effectively each region developed innovative solutions to community problems and made better use of its local economic potential.
"We want to see the ideas and concepts being proposed, both to address existing problems and to develop the potential that is already there," he said.
According to Bobby, the programme's assessment covers two main aspects. The first is how effectively a region can address pressing problems in villages and settlements. These include healthcare, economic development and other challenges affecting residents' welfare.
This approach is intended to encourage regional administrations to turn existing problems into opportunities to improve quality of life while strengthening local people's capabilities. Proposed initiatives must address concrete community needs rather than simply deliver new buildings or facilities.
Secondly, regions without pressing problems requiring immediate attention should prioritise developing their existing strengths. By making better use of these assets, they can increase productivity, create business opportunities, expand market access and generate greater added value for the local economy.
Bobby also reminded regional administrations to include specific strategies for improving people's skills in their development proposals. Plans must identify who will manage each programme, what skills are required and who will be responsible for maintaining the activities and facilities over the long term.
"We must not allow the buildings to change while the capabilities of the people managing them remain undeveloped," Bobby stressed.
During the presentation, Karo Regency proposed developing an integrated complex comprising the modern fruit market and Menjuah-Juah Park in Berastagi. The Karo administration plans to improve the area's infrastructure and facilities, enhance accessibility, strengthen residents' skills, expand market access and improve management capabilities.
The initiative is intended not only to improve trading infrastructure and public spaces but also to help local businesses operate more professionally. Through systematic management, the Berastagi fruit market complex is expected to deliver greater benefits to the community while enhancing the area's appeal as a tourist destination.
Dairi Regency proposed developing the Sungai Raya tourism area by making use of existing infrastructure and access routes. The proposal focuses on improving the destination, supporting food businesses and developing additional economic activities for people living nearby.
Discussions centred on the area's layout and the appointment of responsible operators. The regional administration must ensure that developing the Sungai Raya tourism area encourages productive business activities, establishes clear management structures and delivers long-term economic benefits to local residents.
South Tapanuli Regency, meanwhile, proposed the Kampung Kreatif Rianiate programme. The initiative covers skills development for local residents, infrastructure improvements and the development of tourist destinations.
During discussions on Rianiate, officials emphasised the need for clear implementation mechanisms. They also highlighted the importance of identifying the communities that would benefit from the programme and clearly assigning responsibility for managing and maintaining facilities after construction is completed. These measures are essential to ensuring the programme's long-term viability and strengthening community participation.
Toba Regency submitted a proposal to develop the creative village of Parparean III. The area offers opportunities for development through better use of its river resources, tourist attractions and existing transport links. The regional administration hopes to create new tourism attractions while providing residents with additional opportunities to establish and grow their own businesses.
Samosir Regency proposed developing Sabulan Village in Sitio-tio District. The village has cultural assets, local legends, traditional art forms, tourist attractions, handicraft products, institutional structures and skilled workers that could support the establishment of a creative village.
Sabulan lies at an altitude of between 905 and 1,600 metres above sea level and covers an area of 16.52 square kilometres. The village is situated along a provincial road that forms part of the outer ring road network around Lake Toba.
The development plan for Sabulan includes redesigning the harbour, developing historical sites and expanding tourism infrastructure. By combining cultural heritage, history, handicrafts and natural attractions, the initiative aims to create additional economic opportunities for the local communi
The five regencies' different proposals demonstrate how regional development can be tailored to local characteristics and potential. Their administrations are focusing on tourism, trade, food businesses and handicrafts, alongside efforts to strengthen people's capabilities and stimulate local economic growth.
However, the programme's success will depend on more than the construction of new facilities. Professional management, improved skills, wider market access and the long-term sustainability of economic activities will also be essential to ensuring lasting results.
The Kampung Kreatif Sumut Berkah programme aims to develop productive, innovative, self-reliant, culturally distinctive and sustainable areas. Through this approach, regional administrations are expected to make targeted use of local strengths while addressing the challenges faced by village communities.
Bobby hopes that each region will develop innovative concepts that improve living conditions, build on existing strengths and stimulate economic growth without neglecting the need to enhance people's skills.
"Through the Kampung Kreatif Sumut Berkah programme, the North Sumatra Provincial Government is promoting the development of areas based on local potential, with an emphasis on innovation, self-reliance and sustainability. At the same time, the programme aims to strengthen community participation and improve regional economies," he said, expressing hope for successful implementation.
Through this programme, the North Sumatra Provincial Government aims to advance a model of regional development that goes beyond physical improvements and strengthens people's ability to develop and manage their area's potential. The approach is expected to open up new business opportunities, improve residents' welfare and support sustainable growth in local economies. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
