MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution has urged the Financial Services Authority (OJK) of North Sumatra to strengthen the role of Islamic-based financial services in accelerating the growth of the Halal industry in the region. He also called on the OJK to map the economic development needs of each regency and city by considering the unique characteristics and potential of every area.
Bobby made the statement during the inauguration ceremony of the new Head of the North Sumatra OJK Office,
Triyoga Laksito, who replaced his predecessor Khoirul Muttaqien. The event was held on Friday, July 31, 2026, at the Raja Inal Siregar Hall, North Sumatra Governor's Office.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by, among others, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Republic of Indonesia's OJK, Hernawan Bekti Sasongko, Acting Regional Secretary of North Sumatra Sulaiman Harahap, several mayors and regents, as well as representatives from the provincial government.
OJK Encouraged to Understand Regional Economic Characteristics
Bobby emphasized that OJK, as an independent institution, holds a strategic position in maintaining balance within the national financial services system. According to him, OJK's responsibilities are not limited to regulation and supervision but also include understanding the needs of communities across different regions.
OJK is responsible for implementing an integrated regulatory and supervisory system for all financial services sector activities. These include banking, capital markets, insurance, pension funds, financing institutions, and other financial sectors.
Bobby stated that OJK North Sumatra must examine regional challenges through a more specific approach tailored to the characteristics of each area. He cited natural disasters as one example of conditions that can create long-term economic burdens for affected communities and require attention from various stakeholders, including the financial sector.
"We hope OJK can look at problems in each region according to their respective characteristics. For example, disasters can have a significant impact on people's lives. How can we provide relief for affected citizens, especially regarding credit obligations, as their economic conditions remain difficult," Bobby said.
The governor explained that financial sector policies must be able to provide solutions for communities facing economic pressure. Easier access to financing facilities, he said, could support efforts to rebuild livelihoods after challenging situations.
STRENGTHENING FINANCIAL SERVICES: Deputy Chairman of the OJK Board of Commissioners of the Republic of Indonesia, Hernawan Bekti Sasongko, appreciates the support of the North Sumatra Provincial Government in strengthening cooperation within the financial services sector. (PHOTO: Doc. North Sumatra Communication and Informatics Office)
Islamic Finance as a Driver of Halal Industry Growth
In addition to addressing economic challenges faced by communities,
Bobby Nasution also encouraged
OJK North Sumatra to play a more active role in strengthening the
Halal industry ecosystem through Islamic-based financial services.
Bobby sees significant opportunities in the development of the Halal industry to increase regional economic strength. He pointed out that Indonesia still relies considerably on Halal products from other countries, including nations with relatively small Muslim populations.
According to him, this situation provides an opportunity for Indonesia, particularly North Sumatra, to expand production capacity and strengthen the Halal product market through an appropriate financial system.
"From here, we need to consider how to strengthen the Halal industry through the financial sector. The goal is to encourage the wider availability and development of Halal products," Bobby said.
Bobby hopes Islamic financial services can become an important driving force in building a stronger
Halal industry, starting from financing entrepreneurs, supporting product development, and expanding market access.
He also urged OJK to classify the economic needs of each regency and city so that economic development programs can be implemented more effectively. Through this mapping process, regional priority sectors can be developed based on their respective potentials.
STRENGTHENING THE FINANCIAL SECTOR: Head of
OJK North Sumatra,
Triyoga Laksito, officially takes office to continue the regulation and supervision of the financial services sector in North Sumatra. (PHOTO: Doc. North Sumatra Communication and Informatics Office)
OJK Commits to Continuing Collaboration with Provincial Government
Meanwhile, Deputy Chairman of the OJK Board of Commissioners of the Republic of Indonesia, Hernawan Bekti Sasongko, appreciated the support provided by the North Sumatra Provincial Government in assisting OJK's duties in regulating and supervising the financial services sector.
According to Hernawan, support from the regional government is an important factor in strengthening coordination and cooperation between OJK and various stakeholders. This synergy can help address challenges related to the financial services sector collectively.
"We hope the achievements of OJK, together with all stakeholders, can be continued by the new OJK leadership. May cooperation with the provincial government remain strong so that all challenges can be addressed together," Hernawan said.
He also expressed hope that the new Head of OJK North Sumatra, Triyoga Laksito, would continue existing programs while strengthening collaboration with the regional government, financial industry, and the community.
The appointment of the new leadership of
OJK North Sumatra marks an important step in improving coordination between regulatory authorities and the provincial government in maintaining financial stability and promoting inclusive economic growth.
Through the strengthening of Islamic financial services, the development of the Halal industry, and the identification of regional economic needs, the North Sumatra Provincial Government hopes the financial sector can provide greater benefits for communities and entrepreneurs across the region in the future. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Darmailawati | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala