NIAS BARAT | INDATANEWS.COM – The Government of Nias Barat Regency held a commemorative ceremony on Tuesday (May 26, 2026) to mark the 17th anniversary of the regency's establishment. The event took place at the Regent's Office grounds and unfolded in a solemn yet spirited atmosphere, reflecting strong unity among all elements of society, including the Regional Leadership Forum (Forkopimda), the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), traditional and religious leaders, government officials, youth representatives, and the wider community.
The anniversary celebration served not only as an annual ceremony but also as a moment of reflection on regional progress and a reaffirmation of the future direction toward a more advanced, independent, and prosperous
Nias Barat.
Development Must Be a Shared Effort
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Nias Barat,
Eliyunus Waruwu, emphasized in his address that
regional development cannot be achieved by a single party alone. He highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration and collective commitment.
"Nias Barat cannot be built by one side alone," he stated.
He urged the public to recognize that sustainable progress can only be achieved through a shared vision and strong cooperation between the government and society.
Remembering the Struggle Behind Regional Formation
Read Also: KAI Backs Replacement Bridge Project in Medan Polonia In his remarks, Waruwu also reflected on the historical journey of
Nias Barat's establishment as an autonomous region. He noted that the regency was born out of a long and difficult struggle by the people.
"This regency was not simply granted; it was earned through a long struggle. We must never forget this history," he said, while honoring the contributions of the founding figures, former regional leaders, DPRD members, traditional and religious leaders, and the community at large.
Progress Achieved Across Key SectorsThe Regent outlined a number of development achievements across various sectors. In infrastructure, the government has improved road networks and rehabilitated the Oyo Bridge to strengthen connectivity across the region.
Read Also: Deli Serdang Strengthens Environmental Initiative with KOJIRA North Sumatra In the health sector, the Cerahmedika Hospital has been further developed, alongside improved services at the Si 6 Banua Inpatient Health Center and the Lahusa Community Health Center.
In education, the government has provided learning materials and awarded scholarships to 83 high-achieving students, including seven individuals currently pursuing specialist medical training.
In the economic sector, efforts have been focused on strengthening agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and maritime industries. The presence of Yonif TP 903 Baluseda has also opened new market opportunities for local products.
"People should not remain mere observers. They must prepare products and services so that the economic cycle can truly be felt," Eliyunus Waruwu said.
Read Also: LBH Medan Demands Compensation After 24-Hour Power Outage in North Sumatra Development Priorities Set for 2026Eliyunus Waruwu acknowledged that several challenges remain, including damaged roads, poverty, unequal access to healthcare and education, limited water supply, and governance improvements.
For 2026, the regional government has set priorities focusing on road infrastructure, healthcare facilities, clean water supply, educational infrastructure, and strengthening productive sectors such as agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and maritime development.
Call for Unity and Rejection of Division
Read Also: Medan Mayor Warns of Online Gambling Surge as OJK Chief Bids Farewell The Regent stressed that criticism is part of democracy but should be expressed within the context of understanding the region's fiscal limitations.
"We are working within limited fiscal space. However, the spirit of development must not be limited," he said.
He also called on the public to avoid division in the development process.
"We are not here to divide the community, but to build hope. Nias Barat will not progress if we only look for someone to blame," he emphasized.
Read Also: North Sumatra Accelerates Waste-to-Energy Project, PSEL Medan Raya Set for 2026 Launch CERAH Vision as Future DirectionConcluding his speech, Eliyunus Waruwu reaffirmed the "CERAH" vision (Cerdas, Sejahtera, Sehat – Smart, Prosperous, Healthy) as the regency's strategic development direction. He urged officials, institutions, and citizens to work faster, more disciplined, and result-oriented.
"Now is the time to work and prove that
Nias Barat can rise.
Nias Barat must transform and move beyond underdevelopment," he concluded.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Yeremia Hia | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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