PERGATSI in North Sumatra to become an engine for the sports industry and an economic driver
The Governor of North Sumatra, Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution, encourages the Gateball Association of North Sumatra (PERGATSI) to participate in the development of a sports industry that creates economic value, improves the well-being of athletes, and offers business opportunities for the community.
According to him, sport serves not only as a means of performance and entertainment but can also be a sector that contributes to economic growth.
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Bobby Nasution made this statement during the inauguration of the board of PERGATSI North Sumatra for the period 2025-2029 at the PERGATSI North Sumatra Field Hall on Jalan Yos Sudarso in Medan.
Bobby stated that the provincial government of North Sumatra (Pemprov) is currently undergoing a transformation towards a sports industry. With this concept, it is expected that sport will develop independently and sustainably.
“When sport becomes an industry, it can stand on its own two feet and flourish. Not only do traditional industries have economic value, but sport, which has traditionally been known as entertainment, can also become a sector that generates high economic value,” he said.
He hopes that the new management of PERGATSI North Sumatra can support the North Sumatra Provincial Government’s program to transform sport into an industry that can improve the well-being of athletes and all sportspeople.
“Therefore, the North Sumatra Provincial Government is prepared to support PERGATSI, both organizationally and through various future activities,” he said.
On that occasion, Bobby also expressed his pride in having seen the North Sumatra gateball field with his own eyes. He is convinced that this facility is a crucial asset for improving the performance of gateball athletes in the future.
“We are proud. This is the first time I have seen the gateball field of North Sumatra with my own eyes. Until now, gateball was mainly seen on television and was associated with a specific sports group. During the 2024 National Games, the North Sumatra gateball department won five medals, from gold to bronze. With the current facilities, I hope we can at least double this achievement during the 2028 National Games in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB),” he said.
Bobby also emphasized the willingness of the provincial government of North Sumatra to support the organization of national and international gateball championships in North Sumatra.
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“While watching the match earlier, I heard the Chairman of PERGATSI North Sumatra inform the General Chairman of PERGATSI that North Sumatra is ready to host various championships, both national and international. I let him know that the provincial government of North Sumatra will provide full support if these events take place in North Sumatra,” he said.
Bobby further emphasized that the sports sector plays a strategic role in realizing the vision of a Gold Indonesia 2045. According to him, when Indonesia is expected to be the fourth largest economy in the world, the sports industry will be one of the sectors supporting national economic growth.
“We are convinced that not only will traditional industries support the economy, but the sports industry will also be a crucial factor in economic growth towards a Gold Indonesia 2045,” he concluded.
Diana Kusumastuti, Deputy Minister of Public Works and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of PERGATSI, stated that the installation of the Board of Directors is not merely a ceremony, but also the beginning of a responsibility to strengthen the organization and improve the quality of personnel in the gateball sector.
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“The gateball board in North Sumatra has currently grown from eight to seventeen districts/cities. This is a crucial asset for strengthening athlete development through the provincial championships in the run-up to the 2028 National Games,” she said following the inauguration of the PERGATSI Board of North Sumatra for the 2025-2029 period.
Diana hopes that, through solid organization, collective effort, and continuous athlete development, North Sumatra can become a major national gateball power and represent Indonesia at the SEA Games.
On the same occasion, Doli Sinomba Siregar, Chairman of PERGATSI North Sumatra, expressed his appreciation for the trust placed in the new board by the central and regional boards. He stated that this assignment will be carried out with full dedication to further develop and promote gateball in North Sumatra. ***rel
