Gubernur Sumut, Bobby Nasution, responded to concerns from residents of Pulau Kampai in the Pangkalan Susu District of Langkat Regency regarding access to the central district. After meeting with the community on Monday evening (July 21, 2025), he suggested the possibility of providing a ferry service for residents traveling by sea.
“Providing a ferry service is definitely something we can consider,” Bobby remarked. He highlighted that the Provincial Government of North Sumatra, through a regional state-owned enterprise, could facilitate the service, similar to what is offered at Lake Toba.
“Through the regional enterprise, we already operate ferries like those between Samosir and Simalungun,” he explained. “We could certainly establish similar ferry services here, not necessarily a large ferry, but a speedboat for community use.”
Residents of Pulau Kampai have voiced their frustration over the challenges in accessing adequate healthcare on the island, especially for pregnant women who need to be transported off the island for care. One local, Eliana, emphasized the urgency: “We ask you, Sir, to expedite the presence of a doctor at the community health post. Crossing the sea takes time. For mothers giving birth, the journey to the health center in Pangkalan Susu can take at least an hour by boat.”
In response, Bobby acknowledged the need for improvements to the existing health post on the island, planning to collaborate with the Langkat Regency Government. “We aim to upgrade the status from a community health post to a maternity and inpatient facility. The timeline for this will depend on collaboration with the Langkat Government, as this health post falls under their jurisdiction, but we in the province are here to support,” he stated.
