Controversial governor focuses on development

By Efendy Naibaho

MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): Acrimonious allegations of collusion had tarnished news of his nomination, but Maj. Gen. Rizal Nurdin was eventually sworn in last week as governor of North Sumatra.

The former chief of the Bukit Barisan Military Command overseeing northern Sumatra won the gubernatorial election in the provincial council last month, receiving an overwhelming majority of 49 from 54 votes. He replaced Lt. Gen. (ret.) Radja Inal Siregar.

It was despite the opposition of several mass organizations in the province, which accused him of resorting to collusion since his nomination and lacking majority support of the people.

The provincial council accepted Nurdin's nomination after he received the support of the Armed Forces (ABRI) leadership.

He spoke to The Jakarta Post recently about the accusations and his vision of developing the province of over 11.2 million.

Question: There were disapproving voices about your nomination, including charges of collusion.

Answer: I have never begged for a post. I strictly adhere to the soldier's spirit. I refrain from asking for a position. If I ask for a task or an assignment, that's different. A task is not a post.

Q: What are your concepts for North Sumatra's development?

A: Ever since I was commander, I have closely observed the northern part of Sumatra, especially the province of North Sumatra.

Since I was a staff member and commander of the Bukit Barisan military command, I have always thought about its shortcomings and what needs to be done.

As a soldier, looking through a soldier's eyes, and as a military commander, I see that first (priority) is the economy, and I think the problem is (preparation for) competition.

Competition in the region in 2003, 2010 and so on. We have a lot of things to do. We should make use of the existing potential here to turn it into a competitive tool against foreign competition.

Q: What do you consider the most prospective aspects?

A: The most potential sector is agriculture because of the fertility of North Sumatra's soil.

It is not subject to climatological changes, unlike in Java or the eastern part of Indonesia where the dry season affects agriculture.

However, much of the fertile land here is neglected, idle. We have not used its potential. The plants, too, have potential: patchouli, oil palm, rubber. These are the best commodities much in demand in other countries. We must give this sector a boost.

Q: How do you go about achieving this?

A: Apart from exploiting idle land, we must use high technology.

But high-tech without high cost. It consists of the knowledge to yield quality products. It is not a matter of equipment only. Knowledge and thinking are needed to a high degree.

We need as many human resources of quality as possible. They must be improved and programmed to study from countries with similar climates. We will also involve experts of institutions of higher learning. If need be, we will invite the best experts from abroad.

The results will not be seen in five years, only in the long run. The important thing is that the development will benefit the community here.

Q: What other potential do you see?

A: I have many potential things on my mind, especially using things around us which are bounteous and free.

God has given us many things for free. Nature, for example. Natural beauty is very good for tourism. But the supporting facilities must be considered: transport, facilities and infrastructure.

Would it be possible for tourists to visit tourist sites if they have problems in going there? We have a west coast and an east coast that offer rich prospects for tourism. The sea is clean, but transport is difficult.

It is so not because it is a second-level administration; a first-level region would also have problems in organizing the facilities. We must invite the central government to come to our aid because the potential of the western part of Sumatra, mainly that of North Sumatra, is of an international level. For surfing, Nias is the second best area in the world. Only, it is difficult to get there. There is the problem of air strips. Now there are only three flights a week.

Q: What other problems do you see?

A: Another problem is skills training. More institutes for skills training are needed.

Training should take place at each level of the administrative region. Why should it be only in Medan?

Just do it in each region. Only, some linking and matching is needed according to requirements.

In Nias, for example, the inhabitants have been active in planting patchouli. They must be taught about this fragrant oil yielding shrub. Instruct them in theory. For example, do not pour oil on the plants, it will make the soil barren. Other technical know-how must also be given.

Q: But that is only one problem. Later on if the yield is good, what about marketing?

A: Certainly. We must organize the marketing side.

The planting should have marketing in view. One of the strategies is to have a representative abroad, like minor ambassadors on a temporary basis.

Another thing is that there should not be rivalry among us. We must be imbued with a "win-win" spirit, not a "win-lose". What I feel here is that people tend to adopt a "win-lose" attitude. For example, the garment traders.

Do not vilify each other. It must be changed.

Q: Are you capable of eradicating nepotism, corruption and collusion?

A: Yes, I am. Especially if the whole community wants it. Why not?

Q: Students have voiced their rejection of corruption and collusion. What do you think?

A: I will ask them. I even plan to establish a kind of think tank. I will invite students and ask them about their concepts of developing North Sumatra.