MEDAN, PERGATSI – North Sumatra Governor Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution reaffirmed the Provincial Government’s commitment to transforming sports into a sector that not only focuses on athletic excellence but also generates economic value and improves public welfare. He made the statement during the inauguration of the North Sumatra Gateball Association (PERGATSI) Executive Board for the 2025–2029 term at the PERGATSI North Sumatra Court Hall on Yos Sudarso Street, Medan, on Friday (June 26, 2026).
In his remarks, Bobby Nasution emphasized that sports have significant potential to become a self-sustaining industry when managed professionally. According to him, this transformation is part of the Provincial Government’s broader strategy to strengthen the sports sector while supporting regional economic growth.
He explained that sports have traditionally been viewed primarily as a source of entertainment and a platform for athletic achievement. However, when properly developed, they can create an economic ecosystem that benefits athletes, coaches, event organizers, businesses, and the wider community.
“When sports become an industry, they can sustain themselves and grow independently. It is not only conventional industries that generate economic value—sports, which have long been regarded mainly as entertainment, can also become a sector with tremendous economic potential,” Bobby Nasution said.
Bobby expressed hope that the newly inaugurated North Sumatra PERGATSI leadership would become a strategic partner of the Provincial Government in developing the regional sports industry. He stressed that the success of a sports organization should be measured not only by the medals it wins but also by its ability to build an ecosystem that creates economic opportunities for the community.
“We hope North Sumatra PERGATSI will support the Provincial Government’s efforts to develop sports into an industry capable of improving the welfare of athletes and everyone involved in the sporting ecosystem,” he said.
Gateball Facilities
On the occasion, Bobby revealed that it was his first time visiting North Sumatra’s gateball court. He described the facility as an important asset for strengthening athlete development and enhancing the province’s competitive performance.
He recalled that at the 21st National Sports Week (PON XXI) Aceh–North Sumatra 2024, the province’s gateball team won five medals. With improved facilities now in place, Bobby expressed optimism that North Sumatra could significantly improve its performance at the 22nd National Sports Week (PON XXII) in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) in 2028.
“This is my first time seeing North Sumatra’s gateball court firsthand. With these facilities now available, I hope our achievements at the 2028 National Sports Week in NTB will at least double,” he said.
Provincial Government Ready to Support Championships
Beyond athlete development, Bobby also reaffirmed the Provincial Government’s readiness to support the hosting of national and international gateball championships in North Sumatra.
His statement came after the Chairman of North Sumatra PERGATSI declared the province’s readiness to host various gateball competitions.
“The North Sumatra Provincial Government is fully prepared to support the hosting of national and international gateball championships in our province,” Bobby said.
According to him, hosting major sporting events would not only improve the quality of competition but also stimulate the local economy through tourism, hospitality, transportation, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
Towards Golden Indonesia 2045
Bobby believes that transforming sports into an industry is fully aligned with the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045. He expressed confidence that, as Indonesia emerges as one of the world’s largest economies, the sports industry will become one of the key drivers of national economic growth.
He therefore called on all stakeholders—including North Sumatra PERGATSI officials, athletes, and the broader community—to work together in developing sports that achieve excellence in competition while creating lasting economic value.
“We believe that not only conventional industries will drive the economy, but the sports industry will also become one of the key pillars supporting Indonesia’s economic growth as we move toward Golden Indonesia 2045,” Bobby Nasution concluded. (PAH/ROY)
