Bobby Nasution: Determination Of Four Authority Islands Of The Central Government, Not The Authority Of The Provincial Government

North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution (ANTARA)

North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution emphasized that the determination of four islands that are now entering the administrative area of North Sumatra is not the decision of the provincial government, but purely the authority of the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri). The decision is based on the withdrawal of land boundaries.

"I emphasize, regionally, that there is no authority for North Sumatra or Aceh Provinces to unilaterally hand over or take islands. For example, Langkat borders Aceh, we cannot suddenly hand over Langkat to Aceh. All have rules and this decision has been made by the central government," said Bobby, Wednesday, June 11.

Bobby also invited the people of North Sumatra and Aceh to maintain harmony and not be provoked by the issue of this territorial boundary.

"We want the relationship to remain harmonious. Many Acehnese are in North Sumatra and vice versa. Don't let anyone be hostile to vehicles with BL or BK plates. That's what we want to avoid together," he said.

Regarding the status of island ownership, Bobby stated that his party was ready to follow the legal mechanism and was even willing if the decision needed to be reviewed.

"If it's a matter of the island, if we want to enter North Sumatra or Aceh, of course we will follow the mechanism. If it needs to be reviewed, we are willing," he added.

A few days earlier, Bobby had also met with the Governor of Aceh, Muzakir Manaf, at the Aceh governor's official residence. The meeting discussed the status of the four islands that have been set by the central government, as well as seeking harmony between residents of North Sumatra and Aceh.

"If management, for example because there is tourism potential, we can manage it together. However, that is not the point. The point is to create a sense of security and comfort for the people of Aceh in North Sumatra and vice versa," said Bobby.

For information, the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a decree dated April 25, 2025, stating that the four islands previously within the Aceh region are now included in the administrative area of Central Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra Province. The four islands are:

- Lipan Island- Panjang Island- Mangkir Besar Island- Mangkir Kecil Island This decision was taken based on the national land and administrative boundaries.