North Sumatra sees economic growth amid regional inequality

North Sumatra is experiencing a rise in regional mobility and economic activity, though development remains uneven across the province. PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) reported that between January and September 2026, its North Sumatra division served 2,061,785 passengers, a 5 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025. This growth highlights the role of rail transport in connecting Medan to various eastern coastal areas, including Deli Serdang, Serdang Bedagai, and Tanjungbalai.

Despite positive provincial economic growth of 5.06 percent in the second quarter of 2026, Governor Bobby Nasution noted significant regional disparities. He highlighted that four regencies in the Nias Islands remain underdeveloped. Nasution emphasized the need for collaboration between the provincial government and Bank Indonesia to ensure economic progress reaches lagging areas rather than just focusing on average growth figures.