Controversial governor focuses on development

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.