Editor’s Note
- The Minister of Villages and Underdeveloped Regions Development commends Governor Bobby Nasution’s efforts to accelerate the development of North Nias
- North Sumatra has four underdeveloped regions
- 90 percent of the funding for underdeveloped regions comes from central transfers
- Communities benefit directly from the MBG program
The Minister of Villages and Underdeveloped Regions Development commends Governor Bobby Nasution’s efforts to accelerate the development of North Nias
The Minister of Villages and Underdeveloped Regions Development, Yandri Susanto, praised Governor Bobby Nasution of North Sumatra’s efforts to accelerate development in the North Nias Regency, enabling it to quickly emerge from its underdeveloped status.
This appreciation was expressed during the coordination meeting for accelerating the development of underdeveloped regions, which took place at the headquarters of the Ministry of Villages and Development of Underdeveloped Regions, Jalan TMP Kalibata, Jakarta, on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
During the meeting, it emerged that of the 30 underdeveloped regions in Indonesia, only one is located in the western region, namely the North Nias region in North Sumatra.
North Sumatra has four underdeveloped regions
Previously, North Sumatra had four underdeveloped regions, all located in the Nias Islands: the Nias region, West Nias, North Nias, and South Nias. By 2026, only North Nias still had this status.
Of the eight governors invited to the strategic meeting, only the governor of North Sumatra attended in person, while the other seven governors were represented.
Bobby’s presence was seen as evidence of the North Sumatra provincial government’s commitment to accelerating development, so that North Nias can quickly be removed from the list of underdeveloped regions.
The Minister of Villages and Development of Underdeveloped Regions, Yandri Susanto, publicly expressed his appreciation for this step. “I appreciate the presence of the Governor of North Sumatra, who takes the development of North Nias seriously. This is the only underdeveloped region in Western Indonesia, and we must work together to quickly change this status,” Yandri said.
90 percent of funding for underdeveloped regions comes from central transfers
He revealed that of the 30 underdeveloped regions in Indonesia, approximately 90 percent of their budgets still depend on central transfers due to very low regional own-income (PAD) levels.
“Almost 90% of the funding for underdeveloped regions comes from central government transfers. Their development budgets are small, and their financial leeway is limited. Therefore, intervention by the central and provincial governments is crucial,” he emphasized.
North Nias has great potential in the coconut plantation sector
The central government estimates that the region has considerable potential, particularly in the coconut plantation sector. However, this potential is not yet being fully utilized due to limited infrastructure and logistics.
“The potential is enormous; coconuts are abundant. But if there are no roads and logistics are hampered, economic growth will certainly not be optimal,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Regent of North Nias, Amizaro Waruwu, on behalf of all regents of underdeveloped regions in Indonesia and also the coordinator of the underdeveloped regencies, expressed his appreciation to Bobby Nasution.
“The governor is like a parent to us. We truly feel his commitment, especially in ensuring that the regional funds (TKD) for the province of North Sumatra and the North Nias Regency are not cut,” said Amizaro.
MBG program directly noticeable to the community
He also cited the budgetary support of 300 billion rupiah for the Nias Islands as evidence of the genuine commitment of the North Sumatra provincial government. “He even visited Nias several times to check on the progress of development. This gave us great encouragement,” he said.
Amizaro also expressed his appreciation for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program initiated by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. “For us in underdeveloped regions, this MBG program is invaluable. The impact is directly noticeable to the community,” he said.
The coordination meeting emphasized that accelerating the development of Northern Nias depends heavily on budget allocation, accelerated infrastructure development, and consistent policies so that the regency can quickly emerge from its underdeveloped status. ***obs
