DELI SERDANG | INDATANEWS.COM - North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution emphasized inflation control and balanced development as important components in giving meaning to the 81st anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Indonesia. The North Sumatra Provincial Government is committed to keeping the prices of essential goods stable while accelerating development in regions requiring special attention, particularly the Nias Islands.
Bobby Nasution made the statement after attending the Red and White Flag-raising ceremony commemorating the 81st Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia at Astaka Square on Jalan Willem Iskandar, Percut Seituan District, Deli Serdang Regency, on Monday, August 17, 2026.
The ceremony was also attended by representatives of the North Sumatra Regional Leadership Coordination Forum, community organizations, students, government officials, and distinguished guests from friendly countries. The Independence Day anniversary not only served as a commemoration of the struggle of the nation's heroes but also reminded the government of its responsibility to ensure that development benefits reach communities across all regions of North Sumatra.
Following the ceremony,
Bobby Nasution responded to journalists' questions regarding the development of prices for essential goods, which also affect inflation in several regions. He said the government continues to make efforts to keep the prices of essential goods affordable and prevent excessive burdens on the public.
Narrowing Food Price Gaps
Bobby Nasution said rice and various other essential commodities are among the government's priorities in maintaining price stability. In his view, people in different regions should have access to food at relatively similar prices so that geographical conditions do not result in significant price disparities.
"Regarding inflation, we are working to ensure that prices, particularly for essential goods, are the same across all regions. Especially on the Nias Islands, we will build a food warehouse. The goal is for prices there to be the same as those on the island of Sumatra," Bobby Nasution said.
The North Sumatra Provincial Government, Bobby said, is preparing to build a
food warehouse in the
Nias Islands. The facility is one of the measures being taken to strengthen food availability while reducing price disparities between island regions and mainland Sumatra.
The establishment of the facility is expected to make food distribution more efficient. A more secure food supply will also enable the government to strengthen inflation control, particularly when changes occur in the prices of essential commodities.
The measure is particularly important because the geographical conditions of the
Nias Islands differ from those of regions on mainland Sumatra. Geographic factors and distribution routes can affect transportation costs and ultimately influence the prices paid by the public.
CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOD WAREHOUSE: North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution reaffirmed plans to build a food warehouse in the Nias Islands to strengthen food security and reduce price disparities in essential commodities. (PHOTO: Fahmi Aulia)
Accelerating Development in the
Nias IslandsIn addition to inflation trends, Bobby Nasution reaffirmed the North Sumatra Provincial Government's commitment to accelerating development in the Nias Islands. He views Independence Day as a reminder that the government must ensure development progresses in a more balanced manner.
Bobby described the
Nias Islands as a region requiring special attention because they fall into the category of remote, frontier, and disadvantaged areas, commonly known as 3T regions. In his view, the spirit of independence must be reflected in the government's presence in driving progress for communities in these areas.
"As directed by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Prabowo Subianto, we must ensure food security in all regions. Therefore, we want to implement this in the Nias Islands as well," he said.
The construction of the
food warehouse is a concrete manifestation of the government's presence in strengthening
food security in the
Nias Islands. At the same time, the measure is intended to create more equal access to essential goods for local communities.
Balanced development is not limited to infrastructure development but also encompasses economic aspects and the basic needs of the population. Therefore, strengthening food security and controlling prices are inseparable parts of the regional development agenda.
The North Sumatra Provincial Government must also ensure that these measures are implemented sustainably so that their benefits are not only felt on particular occasions. A secure food supply, smooth distribution, and affordable prices are important factors in maintaining people's purchasing power and the region's economic stability.
SATYALENCANA AWARD PRESENTATION: During the ceremony commemorating the 81st Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia, North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution presented Satyalencana service medals to several civil servants who had served in the public sector for 20 to 30 years. (PHOTO: Fahmi Aulia)
Satyalencana Awards Presented to Civil Servants
As part of the 81st Independence Day celebrations at Astaka Square, Satyalencana service medals were also presented to several civil servants who had served in the public sector for 20 to 30 years.
The presentation of the awards was a form of government recognition for civil servants who had carried out their duties and service within the state administration. In addition to the awards for civil servants, the government also granted clemency and sentence reductions to prisoners who met the applicable requirements.
After the ceremony concluded, Bobby Nasution greeted the participants and the assembled units. He then posed for photographs with the flag-raising team and students who took part in the Independence Day celebrations.
Bobby Nasution's program continued with virtual participation in the address delivered by the President of the Republic of Indonesia. The North Sumatra governor and his delegation followed the event from the North Sumatra Governor's Office.
This year's Independence Day provided an opportunity for the North Sumatra Provincial Government to reaffirm several strategic priorities. These include stabilizing the prices of essential goods, strengthening food security, and promoting more balanced development.
Bobby Nasution views the
Nias Islands as one of the regions requiring special attention under this agenda. The construction of a
food warehouse in the region is expected to form part of government measures to reduce price disparities while improving people's access to food.
In this way, the spirit of 81 years of independence does not remain confined to ceremonial celebrations. Instead, the government is putting that spirit into practice through policies that address people's basic needs and promote balanced development across all regions of North Sumatra. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala