Bobby Nasution Becomes First North Sumatra Governor to Set Up Office in Nias Islands

North Sumatra Governor Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution has made history as the first governor to set up an office in the Nias Islands since the province was established 78 years ago. The move represents a tangible government presence to accelerate development and address the region’s lagging status.

Bobby’s presence in Nias was not merely symbolic but was accompanied by a series of concrete steps to tackle issues long faced by the community. Head of the North Sumatra Communication and Informatics Office, Erwin Hotmansah Harahap, stated that while previous governors may have visited Nias frequently, the concept of actually setting up an office there is entirely new under Bobby’s leadership. He noted that Bobby has planned to rotate office duties in the region for three months alongside Deputy Governor Surya.

During approximately one week stationed in the Nias Islands from 15 to 20 July 2026, Bobby pushed forward several strategic programmes. These included ensuring the construction of two schools, namely SMKN 1 Gido and SMA Unggulan Sukma, accelerating the repair of the West Nias-South Nias road, and the construction of the Mo’awo Bridge and a Ro-Ro port. He also focused on improving health services in South Nias, promoting the revitalisation of the Tetegewo and Bawomataluo megalithic sites, and providing assistance to fishermen and communities in West Nias.

Erwin remarked that the impact of the governor’s presence in Nias within just one week had been extraordinary, as the administration strives to realise Bobby Nasution’s vision of developing Nias and helping it catch up. The office schedule in the Nias Islands is being continued by Deputy Governor Surya, with Bobby scheduled to return to continue resolving various development issues in the area. Currently, four regencies in the Nias Islands—Nias, North Nias, South Nias, and West Nias—retain the status of underdeveloped regions, a key reason Bobby is prioritising accelerated development in the archipelago.