Medan Governor Responds to Viral Video Insulting Family Amid Island Dispute

Medan, Indonesia – North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution has condemned a viral video that surfaced on social media containing derogatory remarks against his wife, Kahiyang Ayu, and his father-in-law, former President Joko Widodo. The video, uploaded by the TikTok account @tripx313_, reportedly included verbal abuse and cyberbullying, with statements such as "let me use your wife for 3 months" and accusations linking Widodo to the PKI, Indonesia’s banned communist party.

The incident is linked to ongoing tensions over the recent administrative transfer of four islands from Aceh Singkil, Aceh, to Central Tapanuli, North Sumatra—an official move made by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The video’s content appears to be a response to this controversial decision, which has sparked heated public debate and criticism online.

In response, Parhobas Volunteers, a group supporting Governor Nasution, filed a public complaint with the North Sumatra Police, urging authorities to investigate and take action against the account owner responsible for the defamatory content. Alexius P. Turnip, chairman of the volunteer group, stated that the report was made independently due to concerns over the escalating verbal harassment and cyberbullying targeting the governor’s family.

The North Sumatra Police have confirmed receipt of the complaint and indicated that further follow-up will occur, although a formal police report has not yet been filed. Governor Nasution has called for respectful dialogue in addressing regional administrative issues and emphasized the importance of maintaining civility in public discourse as debates over the island transfer continue to unfold.