LABUHANBATU | INDATANEWS.COM - North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution has set a target of upgrading 16 kilometres of coastal roads in Labuhanbatu Regency in 2027. The project is expected to improve transport links, make daily journeys easier for residents and support local economic activity.
Bobby announced the plan on Friday, 16 October 2026, during a major religious gathering organised by the North Sumatra Provincial Government at Ika-Bina Square on Jalan MH Thamrin in Rantauprapat, North Rantau District, Labuhanbatu Regency. The proposal responds to residents' concerns and a request from Labuhanbatu Regent Maya Hasmita to continue improving road infrastructure in coastal areas.
According to Bobby, the regency government has raised the need for further road improvements on several occasions. Labuhanbatu Deputy Regent Jamri also made a similar request when he and Bobby attended Friday prayers together.
"During our Friday prayers together, Labuhanbatu Deputy Regent Jamri also raised the issue of asphalting the coastal areas of Labuhanbatu. The regent has made the same request here. God willing, we can begin work on the 16-kilometre coastal road next year,"
Bobby Nasution said.
Road Improvements to Support Local Communities
Better coastal roads remain a key priority for residents of Labuhanbatu. Improved infrastructure can make public services more accessible, shorten journeys between communities and facilitate the movement of goods, helping local businesses and other economic activities.
Labuhanbatu Regent Maya Hasmita said the provincial government had already begun improving coastal roads in several areas, including Pangkatan, Bilah Hilir, Ajamu and Tanjung Sarang Elang. However, a further 16-kilometre stretch still needs to be completed to continue the programme.
"We thank the governor for starting road improvements in the coastal areas, beginning with Pangkatan, Bilah Hilir, Ajamu and Tanjung Sarang Elang. There are now 16 kilometres left to complete. We hope you can make this plan a reality. On behalf of the regency government and the people of Labuhanbatu, I would like to express our sincere gratitude," Maya said.
She expressed hope that the North Sumatra Provincial Government would strengthen its cooperation with the Labuhanbatu Regency Government, particularly to accelerate infrastructure projects that deliver direct benefits to residents.
In recognition of the provincial government's commitment, Maya presented Bobby with a caricature at the end of her speech. The presentation formed part of the gathering, which brought government representatives and residents together in a religious setting.
MAYA HASMITA WELCOMES SUPPORT FOR COASTAL ROAD IMPROVEMENTS: Labuhanbatu Regent Maya Hasmita welcomes the North Sumatra Governor's commitment to improving coastal roads and expresses hope that the planned 16-kilometre infrastructure project will proceed soon. (PHOTO: Munawar Harahap)
Bobby Calls for Joint Action Against Drugs
Alongside infrastructure development, Bobby urged residents to step up efforts to prevent drug abuse and combat drug trafficking. He stressed that different sections of society must work together to protect young people from the dangers of illegal drugs.
"I urge everyone to take part in the fight against drugs. This is also a concern of the National Police Chief. Labuhanbatu's regional leadership coordination forum, religious leaders, educational institutions, families and youth organisations must strengthen their cooperation. Let us work together to make Labuhanbatu drug-free," he said.
Bobby said tackling drugs required close cooperation between regional administrations, security agencies, religious leaders, educational institutions, families and youth organisations. Families and schools also had an important role to play in raising young people's awareness of the dangers of drug abuse.
His message called on residents to support not only infrastructure development but also efforts to create a safe and healthy social environment for future generations.
BOBBY NASUTION CALLS FOR JOINT ACTION AGAINST DRUGS: North Sumatra Governor Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution urges regional governments, security agencies, religious leaders, educational institutions, families and youth organisations to work together to protect young people from the dangers of drugs. (PHOTO: Munawar Harahap)
Support for Religious Education and Umrah Pilgrimages
Bobby also expressed his commitment to developing Labuhanbatu's religious potential. This included supporting young Quran reciters so they could perform well in competitions at provincial and national levels. The North Sumatra Provincial Government was prepared to help provide religious education facilities to strengthen opportunities for younger generations.
"The Labuhanbatu Regency Government can submit the relevant proposals. The North Sumatra Provincial Government is ready to help build classrooms and dormitories for Islamic boarding schools, as well as facilities for institutions that teach Quran recitation and memorisation, to support young people in Labuhanbatu," Bobby said.
Support for Islamic boarding schools and Quran memorisation centres is intended to expand access to religious education while strengthening young people's character. The regency government can formally submit its requirements so that the provincial government can assess and follow up on the proposals in accordance with the applicable procedures.
At the end of the gathering, Bobby saw off eight Labuhanbatu residents who were preparing to undertake Umrah, the minor pilgrimage to Mecca. The group comprised four men and four women. The beneficiaries included older people, widows and Muhammad Ali Harahap, who works as a motorised rickshaw driver.
The departure formed part of the social support activities held alongside the North Sumatra Provincial Government's religious gathering. The event also brought together regional government representatives, religious leaders and residents to promote social responsibility and strengthen religious life.
During the same event, Muhammad Yasir Tanjung, chairman of the North Sumatra Institute for the Development of Quran Recitation, delivered a religious address. He encouraged participants to be grateful for life, good health, their livelihoods and the opportunity to worship Allah.
"Show your gratitude by caring for others and sharing your livelihood with people who need help," he said.
Yasir also reminded participants not to postpone their religious duties until they became ill or faced difficulties. He urged residents to use religious teachings as a guide in their daily lives.
"Do not wait until you become ill or face difficulties before remembering Allah. Instead, make it a habit to follow religious teachings in your everyday life," he said.
Those attending the event included Labuhanbatu Deputy Regent Jamri, acting regency secretary Abdi Jaya Pohan, members of the Labuhanbatu Regency Legislative Council, representatives of the Labuhanbatu regional leadership coordination forum, officials and staff from the North Sumatra Provincial Government and the Labuhanbatu Regency Government, youth organisations and Islamic scholars.
The planned coastal road improvements form part of wider efforts to strengthen connectivity and support economic activity in Labuhanbatu. Alongside infrastructure development, the regional administrations are also seeking to foster a safer social environment and expand opportunities for religious education. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala