Strong Determination Of Nikson Nababan To Take The Seat Of The Governor Of North Sumatra

Eddy Wijaya and NIkson Nababan. (Doc Eddy Wijaya)

JAKARTA - The determination of Pangeran Raden Aryo Nikson Hasudungan Nababan Darmonegoro alias Nikson Nababan to run in the Election of the Governor of North Sumatra is very unanimous. Despite competing with a number of big names such as former North Sumatra Governor Edy Rahmayadi and Medan Mayor Bobby Nasution, the former Regent of North Tapanuli for two 2014-2019 and 2019-2024 periods never back down.

Nikson Nababan's position as Regent of North Tapanuli ends on April 23, 2024. "I am ready to serve. Ready to build North Sumatra," Nikson said in a chat on the EdShareOn Eddy Wijaya podcast which aired Wednesday, May 8, 2024.

Nikson admitted that he had known Edy Rahmayadi well since serving as Pangkostrad. Even Edy often took the time to visit Nikson's house when he was Regent of North Tapanuli. "We often talk about many things," he said.

Now Nikson must compete with Edy to win a forward ticket in the North Sumatra gubernatorial election through the PDI-P. Because Nikson and Edy registered with the candidate for governor in the party made by Megawati Soekarnoputri. Although Nikson is the Chair of the North Tapanuli PDIP DPC, PDIP has not yet issued a decision.

"I believe the General Chair (Megawati) will definitely give the best affirmation and decision. He is a person who loves cadres very much," he said.

Nikson also admitted that he knew very well the Mayor of Medan Bobby Nasution. Boby's political power is now very much taken into account because of President Joko Widodo's son-in-law.

The political power called 'Jokowi Effect' is considered to be able to control Bobby's electability in North Sumatra. 'All the nation's children who have the will must be respected. But, as candidates, of course what needs to be asked is, 'what do you want to do?' The public must also realize the track record,' he said.

Children Of Teachers Who Build North Tapanuli Economy

Nikson Nababan told how he built North Tapanuli during his tenure as regent in 2014-2024. He admitted that he had focused on developing isolated villages in North Tapanuli since he first served.

"In the past there were 58 villages that were very isolated in the Taput area because they were not electrified and adequate access. Now we have made everything free," he said.

To build the village, Nikson, who was born to a teacher 51 years ago, admitted that he did not hesitate to visit each of these villages. To penetrate the isolated village, he often uses a dirt bike. I'm actually a person who is afraid to ride the trail because once the gas can speed up. But I have to ride this motorbike because of the difficult terrain," he said.

"I plan to museum the motorbike because for 10 years I have never used an accident," he said with a laugh.

In addition to building villages through road and access to electricity, Nikson also shared his experience of developing agriculture, education, and health in his area. In fact, he admitted that he had participated in expanding the ownership of customary forests to be managed by residents.

Now there are almost 40 thousand hectares of forests that no longer include protected forests so that residents can manage them to help their economy.

Watch the full show exclusively with Eddy Wijaya on the EdShareOn podcast! (ADV)