Governor Bobby Nasution Aims to Turn Sports in North Sumatra into a Competitive Industry
The Governor of North Sumatra, Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution, is committed to transforming the sports sector into an independent, professional, and competitive industry.
According to him, this step is crucial for strengthening the sports ecosystem and supporting the development of elite athletes in North Sumatra.
Governor Bobby Nasution made these remarks during a meeting with the Acting Provincial Secretary of North Sumatra, Sulaiman Harahap, and various heads of regional government agencies (OPDs). The meeting focused on the strategic plan to manage and develop sports into a full-fledged industry. The gathering took place on the 10th floor of the North Sumatra Governor’s office at Jalan Diponegoro No. 30, Medan.
In his remarks, Governor Bobby Nasution noted that sports is a sector that enjoys great public interest.
Various facilities are essential for its development, and North Sumatra currently possesses a number of adequate—and even international-standard—sports facilities.
Therefore, a comprehensive plan is required to ensure that the transformation of sports into an industry proceeds effectively and sustainably.
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“Many people want to watch, and many want to participate in sports themselves—especially the athletes. But how can we ensure that many also contribute to the advancement of sports? The way to achieve this is by finding methods to generate revenue for the sector. Naturally, by turning it into an industry. And this must start with us—with the provincial government,” stated Governor Bobby Nasution.
Following the successful 2024 National Sports Week (PON), North Sumatra now boasts a range of adequate sports facilities that serve as a source of regional pride. These include the main stadium, the Madya Stadium, and other facilities at the Sena Village Sports Center in Deli Serdang, as well as various sports buildings at the North Sumatra Youth and Sports Agency (Dispora) office on Jalan William Iskandar in Medan, among others.
However, according to Bobby, the existence of these facilities must be accompanied by optimal management, particularly regarding maintenance and usage.
“This is certainly a positive step, as every activity generates benefits and revenue for the region. Yet, there is a broader question: how do we ensure that sports here remain enjoyable, attractive, and profitable in the future? We need a comprehensive, actionable plan—not just one for specific events. It must be a community-driven initiative that can be carried out on a routine basis—daily, weekly, monthly, and annually,” explained Bobby Nasution.
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Bobby also emphasized the importance of ensuring that every activity—from training sessions and matches to tournaments—contributes to improving the caliber of athletes in North Sumatra.
Furthermore, given that North Sumatra is one of Indonesia’s most populous provinces, it is essential that this growth translates into improved sporting performance at both national and international levels.
“Therefore, management objectives regarding revenue generation, athlete development, and increasing public interest in sports must go hand in hand. We want this comprehensive plan to be thoroughly prepared, especially during its presentation,” the governor stated.
Meanwhile, Mahfullah P. Daulay, Head of the North Sumatra Youth and Sports Agency (Kadispora), explained that under the master plan, management of the sports center complex will be transferred to the Regional Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD), structured as a Regional Public Service Agency (BLUD). This move aims to improve management regarding both maintenance and facility utilization.
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“Operating under the BLUD model offers benefits such as enhanced service quality, asset optimization, and the ability to manage revenue independently. It also fosters service innovation—such as digitalization—while maintaining a business model focused on public service,” Mahfullah explained.
Mahfullah added that revenue generated by the BLUD through managing the sports center complex could also fund youth and sports initiatives, such as athlete development and the growth of the sports community.
Consequently, management of the sports facilities will not focus solely on generating regional revenue but will also yield direct benefits for sports development and the performance of North Sumatra’s athletes. ***REL
