On his very first day as the newly appointed Governor of North Sumatra, Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution was met with a wave of protests. The office of the governor, located at Jalan Diponegoro No. 30, became the focal point for the demonstration orchestrated by the Alliance of Patriotic Students (AMCTA) on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
The scene outside the Governor’s Office was a tumultuous one, as hundreds of individuals from various backgrounds, including residents, farmers, laborers, and students, gathered in front of the building. The protesters arrived in waves, accompanied by a pickup truck equipped with a powerful sound system that reverberated through the air.
Their demand was clear and resolute: they called for the immediate suspension or cancellation of the land execution process within the Veteran Complex located in Medan Estate Village, Percut Sei Tuan District, Deli Serdang Regency. The stakes were high, as livelihoods and homes hung in the balance, motivating even a mother, cradling her child, to join the protest in the hopes of safeguarding the land they called home.
### Unveiling the Youngest Governor Amidst Turmoil
As the youngest governor among the 481 regional leaders sworn in at the State Palace on Thursday, February 20, 2025, Bobby Nasution’s inaugural day was marked not by celebration but by contention. The clash between the newly minted governor and the protesting masses underscored the challenges and responsibilities awaiting him in his new role.
The protesters, led by the articulate Fikri, emphasized their demand for the Chief Justice of the Lubuk Pakam District Court to reject the petition to postpone or annul the land execution, as outlined in Case Number 19/Pdt.Eks/2023/PN.L.bp. They further urged the court to declare the execution petition as non-executable, signaling a firm stance against what they perceived as a violation of the law and an attempt to deprive the veteran community of their rightful land.
Fikri’s call for the resignation of the Chief Justice of the Lubuk Pakam District Court resonated with the crowd, highlighting the deep-seated frustrations and grievances that fueled the protest. The resolute demand for justice and accountability set the tone for a showdown between the grassroots movement and the corridors of power.
### The Power of Unity in the Face of Adversity
The demonstration outside the Governor’s Office served as a poignant reminder of the power of unity in the face of adversity. Despite the diverse backgrounds and motivations of the protesters, they stood shoulder to shoulder, united by a common cause: the protection of their land and livelihoods.
The image of a mother nursing her child while participating in the protest encapsulated the raw emotion and determination that permeated the crowd. It was a testament to the resilience and unwavering spirit of the people, who refused to back down in the face of injustice and inequality.
As Governor Nasution grappled with the fallout from the protest on his first day in office, he was confronted with a stark reality: the weight of public expectation and the imperative to navigate complex issues with empathy and resolve. The delicate balance between governance and grassroots activism set the stage for a pivotal moment in his nascent tenure, one that would test his mettle and define his legacy in the days to come.
In the heart of the protest, amidst the chants and placards, a shared sense of purpose emerged—a collective resolve to hold those in power accountable and safeguard the rights of the marginalized. The clash of ideals and interests underscored the inherent tensions within a society grappling with change and transition, laying bare the fault lines that Governor Nasution must navigate with skill and sensitivity.
The unfolding drama outside the Governor’s Office was not merely a symbolic gesture but a potent reminder of the enduring struggle for justice and equality. As the sun set on the tumultuous day, a sense of anticipation lingered in the air, hinting at the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead for Governor Nasution and the people he vowed to serve. The echoes of the protest reverberated through the corridors of power, a stark reminder of the unyielding spirit of the people and the enduring quest for a more just and equitable society.
