Governor Bobby Nasution Invites Aceh To Discuss Ownership Of 4 Islands In The Ministry Of Home Affairs

The Governor of North Sumatra (Gubsu) Bobby Nasution invited the discussion of the ownership of four islands between North Sumatra and Aceh to be discussed together at the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri).

"I had met the governor of Aceh from yesterday to Aceh. We want to convey that the issue of island ownership. Sorry, we want to discuss it from morning to morning, there will actually be no solution," said Bobby as quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, June 12.

The governor said that the North Sumatra Provincial Government (Pemprov) was always open if it had to re-discuss the ownership of the four islands that entered the North Sumatra region.

According to him, the discussions carried out in the regions did not solve the problem because the decision remained in the hands of the central government.

However, when North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution came to Banda Aceh on Thursday (4/5), Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf chose to go ahead when he was going to discuss the meeting with Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian.

In fact, a number of journalists who have been waiting cannot interview the Governor of Aceh who is familiarly called Mualem to participate in the Ministry of Home Affairs in Jakarta.

"If you want to discuss it, let's get together. We are open. But when it comes to decisions, let it be the authority of the central government. Let's not discuss it with parties who cannot decide," he said.

The governor also emphasized that his visit to Banda Aceh did not invite cooperation in the management of the four islands, but to open further discussion spaces.

"We go there, we don't want to invite cooperation. That cooperation is carried out when it is clear that the island belongs to North Sumatra Province. If that is the case, we will open up cooperation options with anyone," Bobby explained.

As for the potential for natural resources for the four border islands of two districts, namely Central Tapanuli and Aceh Singkil, Bobby admitted that he did not yet hold concrete data.

"He said there was oil, gas, and others. But I don't have the data, the service doesn't have it. So if you ask if there is potential, let's discuss it together," he said.

The governor also responded to the issue of the four islands for their prizes in accordance with the Decree of the Minister of Home Affairs Number 300.2.2-2138 of 2025 concerning the Provision and Update of Codes and Data on Government and Island Administration Areas set for April 25, 2025.

He emphasized that the area is included in Central Tapanuli (Tapteng) Regency, North Sumatra, so that if the gift is not addressed to him.

"If it is indeed a gift for Pak Jokowi, why not just transfer it to Solo? That's the Tapteng area, so the prize is not to Bobby Nasution, but to the regent of Tapteng. Because later the regent of Tapteng will issue all kinds of permits," he said.

Governor Bobby said according to information from the Regent of Tapteng Masinton Pasaribu that there were no permanent residents on the four islands.

But only fishermen temporarily stopped from the areas of Aceh Singkil, Sibolga, and Tapteng.

"The conflict is about ownership. If it is about ownership, let's discuss it together to Jakarta. Don't keep making noise in the area, because it won't be finished," said Bobby.