GUNUNGSITOLI | INDATANEWS.COM - The North Sumatra Provincial Government has confirmed that the construction of the Mo'awo River Bridge in Gunungsitoli City will begin in 2026. North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution called on the community to jointly oversee the construction process so that the project can be implemented smoothly and provide significant benefits for the public.
Bobby directly inspected the condition of the Mo'awo River Bridge on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, located on Jalan Yos Sudarso, Gamo,
Gunungsitoli City. During the visit, he held discussions with residents regarding the planned bridge construction and listened to various concerns from the community, particularly related to the needs of fishermen in the area.
Bobby was accompanied during the inspection by Gunungsitoli Mayor Sowa'a Laoli, West Nias Regent (Nias Barat) Eliyunus Waruwu, as well as several heads of Regional Government Organizations (OPD) from the North Sumatra Provincial Government and local administration.
DIALOGUE WITH THE COMMUNITY: North Sumatra Governor
Bobby Nasution holds discussions with
Gunungsitoli residents regarding the acceleration of the Mo'awo River Bridge construction and the supporting facilities needed by fishermen. (PHOTO: Fahmi Aulia)
Bridge Condition Raises Public Concern
At the location, Bobby directly observed the severe damage to the road surface of the Mo'awo River Bridge. The poor structural condition has not only disrupted traffic flow but has also increased safety risks for road users.
Bobby also inspected several sections of the bridge that have been included in this year's construction and repair plans. According to him, the bridge is one of the priority infrastructure projects because it serves as an important connection between the people of Gunungsitoli and areas within North Nias Regency.
During a meeting with residents, the community conveyed several requests, including the provision of supporting facilities for fishermen, boat docking areas, and the construction of wave breakers. However, the residents' main hope is the acceleration of the bridge construction, as the infrastructure is urgently needed.
"I understand that the current condition is already very concerning. Therefore, we will begin the construction this year. I ask for everyone's support so that the process can run smoothly," Bobby said.
Bobby urged the community and the government to work together to ensure the construction process can proceed without obstacles. He explained that the planning for the bridge project had been prepared since last year but was delayed due to various challenges.
"Many people do not believe it, but I have made a commitment to develop Nias. If there are people who criticize or make jokes about it, that is not a problem for me. We are here representing the government, and I am carrying out my responsibility as a state official to be present among the people. What matters is that this initiative is not obstructed," Bobby stated.
Infrastructure Development Must Support Community Economy
Bobby made the statement after several residents expressed concerns that the bridge construction could affect businesses and the livelihoods of people living around the project area.
According to Bobby, infrastructure projects must benefit the entire community and should not be blocked due to individual interests. At the same time, the government will seek solutions so that affected residents continue to receive support during the construction period.
"I am not thinking only about one person, but about the interests of the entire society. Therefore, public matters should not be hindered because of certain individuals. If there are unresolved issues, we can find solutions together. I do not want people to lose their economic livelihoods because of this construction project. Of course, there will be impacts, but we can prepare temporary alternatives while the work is ongoing," Bobby Nasution emphasized.
He assured that the government would continue to provide communication channels for residents if problems arise during project implementation. In his view,
infrastructure development must go hand in hand with protecting the economic activities of the community.
In addition to ensuring the bridge construction, Bobby also responded to various concerns raised by fishermen during the visit. He instructed relevant agencies to conduct a joint assessment with the regional government and fishermen's representatives to identify the most urgent needs.
Caption foto... APPRECIATING INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT ACCELERATION: Saewe Village Head Martonlis Telaumbanua appreciates the presence of the North Sumatra Provincial Government in the
Nias Islands region to accelerate regional
infrastructure development. (PHOTO: Fahmi Aulia)
Provincial Government Reviews Fishermen Facilities
Bobby instructed relevant agencies to review plans for various supporting facilities for fishermen in the
Gunungsitoli area. The assessment includes the construction of a Fish Landing Center (TPI), fishing boat docking facilities, wave breakers, and other supporting infrastructure.
"I ask the relevant agencies to discuss this together with fishermen and the local government. We must first understand the available data and what measures are possible. We do not want to build something without direction; we need to know the actual needs first," he explained.
Apart from physical infrastructure, Bobby is also considering the establishment of a Technical Service Unit (UPT) under the Marine and Fisheries Service in
Gunungsitoli. The facility is expected to simplify administrative services for fishermen, particularly those related to vessels exceeding five gross tons (GT).
The UPT is expected to support the recommendation process, allowing fishermen to access subsidized diesel fuel through public fuel stations (SPBU) or special fuel stations for fishermen (SPBN).
Meanwhile, Saewe Village Head Martonlis Telaumbanua appreciated the work program of North Sumatra Governor
Bobby Nasution in the
Nias Islands region. He expressed hope that the provincial government's presence could accelerate regional development, particularly in infrastructure, which serves as an important foundation for improving public welfare.
According to Martonlis, infrastructure development plays a crucial role in supporting other sectors such as education and health. He hopes the government's attention toward the Nias Islands will continue so that community needs can gradually be fulfilled. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Darmailawati | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala