The press, a strategic partner for the Government of North Sumatra in support of development and information transparency
The Acting Regional Secretary of the Province of North Sumatra (Sekdaprov), Sulaiman Harahap, emphasized the importance of cooperation between the government and the press in support of regional development.
In the digital age, the success of development is determined not only by the quality of programs but also by the ability to convey information quickly, accurately, objectively, and comprehensibly to the public.
LATEST NEWS: Road repairs drive economic recovery in three districts of Labuhanbatu
Sulaiman Harahap made this statement during the opening of the working meeting of the Provincial Journalists Forum of North Sumatra (FWP) in the Pora-Pora Hall of the canteen of the Provincial Government of North Sumatra in Parapat.
“The existence of the North Sumatra Provincial Journalists’ Forum plays a crucial role as a communication bridge between the government and the public. The press not only reports news but also acts as a partner in fostering optimism, maintaining a healthy public space, and monitoring regional development,” said Sulaiman.
According to him, the Provincial Government of North Sumatra (Pemprov) remains committed to realizing its regional development vision, driven by the spirit of cooperation and the blessings of North Sumatra. Synergy between all involved parties, including the press, is therefore essential as a strategic partner for the government.
Sulaiman stated that successful development is development that is understood, felt, and supported by the public. Good communication with the public is therefore one of the keys to the success of various ongoing and future development programs.
LATEST NEWS: After decades of damage, strategic roads in Labuhanbatu are finally being widened by Governor Bobby Nasution
“The Provincial Government of North Sumatra appreciates all members of the Forum of Journalists of the Provincial Government of North Sumatra for their continued commitment as strategic partners to the government in conveying development information to the public,” he said.
He hopes that the working group of the Forum of Journalists of the Provincial Government of North Sumatra will produce work programs that align with current developments, strengthen organizational cohesion, increase the professionalism of the members, and foster healthy and productive cooperation with the Provincial Government of North Sumatra.
“I also welcome the agenda for the focus group discussion, in which strategic partnerships between the government and the press to promote transparency in public information will be discussed. This forum should be a constructive space for discussion to generate ideas and innovations to strengthen public communication,” he said.
According to Sulaiman, the recommendations emerging from the forum are expected to provide valuable input for the North Sumatra Provincial Government to improve the quality of public information provision, strengthen the coordination of government communication, and build a more professional partnership between the government and the press.
LATEST NEWS: PERGATSI in North Sumatra to become an engine for the sports industry and an economic driver
Meanwhile, the chairman of the North Sumatra Provincial Government Journalists’ Forum, Syaifullah Defaza, emphasized his organization’s commitment to continuing cooperation with the North Sumatra Provincial Government in disseminating information about development programs.
“We see that the Governor and his staff are currently focusing on the implementation of the ‘Fastest Best Results’ (PHTC) program. For example, the Sipiongot road, which had been in poor condition for decades, has now been rebuilt. The Governor wants all areas in North Sumatra to benefit from development programs,” said Syaifullah.
He stated that the North Sumatra FWP is ready to support the dissemination of information through journalistic work in the form of articles, photos, and videos, so that the public is informed of the various development results of the North Sumatra Provincial Government.
“In the future, we journalists will be able to participate in the activities of the Governor, the Deputy Governor, and the Regional Secretary, so that we can directly observe the situation on the ground and discover various ideas and news angles,” he said.
LATEST NEWS: Class C mining companies urged to apply for permits
The chairman of the committee, Muhammad Said, stated that the North Sumatra FWP working meeting was prepared within ten days and was attended by 94 journalists out of a total of 115 registered journalists, based on a decision by the Governor of North Sumatra.
The three-day event, which took place from June 27 to 29, 2026, included a conversation with the Director General of the UNESCO World Geopark Toba Caldera, a visit to the Toba Caldera Geopark area in Sibisa, a gala dinner, and a meeting with the Regent of Simalungun. ***rel
