MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The North Sumatra Provincial Government has expressed its support for the Nias Sport Festival 2027, an event aimed at promoting community sports, strengthening tourism and boosting the local economy across the Nias Islands.
The festival is planned to take place at Pantai Pasir Berbunyi Beach and Gunungsitoli Town Square. It will combine traditional sports, recreational activities, arts, culture and local business opportunities, particularly for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
The support was conveyed by North Sumatra Acting Regional Secretary Timur Tumanggor during a meeting with North Sumatra Indonesian Community Sports Committee (KORMI) Chairman Muhammad Daffasya Sinik on Thursday, 5 November 2026, at the Governor's Office in Medan.
Sport as a Driver of Economic Growth
Timur said major sporting events could deliver economic benefits beyond improving physical fitness. The arrival of participants, visitors and tourists could increase demand for local products and services, including food, accommodation, transport and handicrafts.
He stressed the importance of involving local communities and MSMEs to ensure the festival generates lasting economic benefits for the Nias Islands.
"The Governor strongly supports the development of community sports. We hope people in North Sumatra will become healthier, fitter, more active and more productive," he said.
COMMUNITY SPORTS TO DRIVE REGIONAL ECONOMIC GROWTH: North Sumatra Acting Regional Secretary Timur Tumanggor reaffirmed the Governor's support for community sports to encourage a healthier, fitter, more active and productive population. (PHOTO: Alexander AP Siahaan)
Traditional Sports and Nias Culture in the Spotlight
Muhammad Daffasya Sinik said the Nias Sport Festival 2027 was among KORMI North Sumatra's priority programmes. Traditional games planned for the event include Ombo Batu, Egrang, Bakiak, Hadang, Patok Lele, Pecah Piring and tug-of-war.
The programme will also feature a Car Free Day, group exercise sessions, an arts and MSME festival, a kite festival and water sports, including stand-up paddleboarding.
Daffasya said combining sports, arts, culture and business activities would create an engaging experience for residents and tourists alike.
The festival is expected to strengthen tourism, stimulate the regional economy and preserve local cultural traditions. Its proposed venues, Pantai Pasir Berbunyi Beach and Gunungsitoli Town Square, were selected to make use of public spaces with tourism potential.
NIAS SPORT FESTIVAL TO PROMOTE TRADITIONAL SPORTS: KORMI North Sumatra Chairman Muhammad Daffasya Sinik outlines plans for the 2027 festival, combining traditional sports, arts, culture, MSMEs and water sports in Gunungsitoli. (PHOTO: Alexander AP Siahaan)
KORMI Prepares Provincial and National Sports Events
During the meeting, KORMI North Sumatra also outlined its other programmes for 2026–2029, including the first North Sumatra Provincial Recreational Sports Festival (FORPROVSU I), scheduled for 19–26 November 2026 at the North Sumatra Youth and Sports Office.
KORMI is also preparing to participate in the ninth National Recreational Sports Festival (FORNAS IX) in Central Sulawesi in 2027. Furthermore, the organisation plans to propose North Sumatra as the host province for the tenth FORNAS in 2029.
Daffasya said these initiatives were intended to expand public participation in recreational sports and strengthen North Sumatra's role in the national community sports movement.
The meeting was also attended by North Sumatra National Unity and Politics Agency Head Mulyono,
KORMI North Sumatra Secretary Ramadan and several other members of the organisation's board.
Through these programmes, the provincial government and KORMI hope to develop community sports as a means of improving public health, preserving cultural heritage, promoting tourism and strengthening local prosperity. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala