MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - North Sumatra Governor Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the development of skateboarding across the province. He expressed his expectation that more competitions will be organized in the future and that skateparks will be expanded across various regencies and cities in North Sumatra, enabling the sport to grow in a more sustainable and dynamic manner.
Bobby Nasution made the statement during his attendance at the Go Skateboarding Day GSD North Sumatra 2026, held on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at Lapangan Merdeka in Medan. His presence attracted the attention of hundreds of skateboarders from various regions who participated in the annual event.
Infrastructure and Competitions as Development DriversBobby emphasized that the development of skateboarding fundamentally depends on two key elements: the availability of competitive events and adequate training facilities. He urged city and regency governments across North Sumatra to provide greater space and support for the skateboarding community.
"Many regencies and cities have expressed their desire for skateparks. We will support larger-scale projects at the provincial level. There are two key priorities: first, more events must be organized because without competitions, skaters cannot properly develop their skills. Second, we need proper facilities. Hopefully, skateparks can be built in several regions and further developed with provincial support," Bobby Nasution said.
He further stressed that regular competitions are essential in motivating young athletes and improving their skills in a structured manner. Without a clear competitive framework, athletic development tends to progress more slowly and less systematically.
COMMUNITY DIALOGUE: Bobby Nasution in discussion with skateboarders on the importance of infrastructure and events to support skateboarding development in North Sumatra. (PHOTO: Doc. North Sumatra Provincial Communication and Information Office)
Skateparks as Talent Development HubsAnother key focus of his remarks was the expansion of skateparks as training and development spaces for young athletes. According to Bobby, well-equipped facilities provide early-stage talent development opportunities and lay the foundation for skaters to eventually compete at the national level.
One of the most well-known skateparks in North Sumatra is the Skate Plaza at Lapangan Merdeka in Medan. The facility was developed during Bobby's tenure as Mayor of Medan as part of the area's revitalization, alongside the construction of another skate plaza in Kebun Bunga.
He emphasized that skateboarding development is not a short-term initiative. Continuous and long-term training, he said, is essential for building successful athletes.
"This is not a sport that can be mastered instantly. It requires long-term training. That is why I strongly hope that children and young people gain early access to proper training facilities. Moreover, since skateboarding is now also a competitive sport in the National Sports Week (PON), we must continue to advance its development," he explained.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT: Hundreds of skaters from various regions across North Sumatra participate in Go Skateboarding Day GSD North Sumatra 2026 in Medan. (PHOTO: Doc. North Sumatra Provincial Communication and Information Office)
Strong Community Participation and Government SupportThe enthusiasm for skateboarding was clearly visible during GSD North Sumatra 2026. Hundreds of skaters from various cities and regencies participated, including many children and teenagers who actively joined the activities.
The event served not only as a competition platform but also as a gathering space for the skateboarding community across the region.
Medan-based skater Irfan stated that skateboarding infrastructure in North Sumatra has improved significantly in recent years. The available skateparks have had a positive impact on skill development and community cohesion.
"My friends and I are very happy. In Medan, there are Kebun Bunga, Lapangan Merdeka, Deli Serdang Stadium, and also Menteng—there are now many places. The support from Mr. Bobby for skaters is excellent, and we hope for even larger facilities," Irfan said.
He added that government attention has increased motivation among young skaters to train more seriously and continue developing their skills.
The Go Skateboarding Day GSD North Sumatra 2026 event was attended by the Head of the North Sumatra Youth and Sports Office Mahfullah Pratama Daulay, Head of the Communication and Information Office Erwin Hotmasah Harahap, Head of the Transportation Office Yuda P. Setiawan, other regional officials, representatives from the Indonesian Skateboard Commission (KIS) North Sumatra, as well as hundreds of participants from various regions. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Darmailawati | EDITOR: Fik Sagala