Padang Lawas Migrant Figures Gather, Investment and Human Capital Top Development Agenda

A forum organized by Angkatan Muda Padang Lawas (AMP) in Tangerang Selatan on July 25, 2026, convened regional figures to discuss the future development of Padang Lawas. The event, titled "The Spirit of Migrant Communities and Youth in Advancing Padang Lawas," aimed to address the region's ongoing development challenges.

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The size of a region's progress does not stop at economic growth figures. What is far more determining is the quality of its people.

Edy Junaedi Harahap, Deputy for Investment Control and Downstreaming at the Ministry of Investment and a native of Padang Lawas, argued that economic growth alone is insufficient for regional progress. He stressed that the quality of human capital, measured by the Human Development Index (HDI), is far more critical. HDI encompasses access to better education, adequate healthcare, and improved economic capacity, all of which enable individuals to reach their full potential.

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Regional development is not enough to just pursue economic growth figures. What is far more important is ensuring the community has access to better education, adequate healthcare services, and increased economic capacity.

Harahap also pointed to the strong social bonds within the Padang Lawas community as a significant asset. He highlighted the "Dalihan Na Tolu" system, a kinship structure common in South and North Tapanuli, as a vital link connecting those in their hometown with migrants who have established networks nationwide. He advocated for utilizing this concept not just as a traditional kinship system but as a powerful social capital to foster collaboration and drive regional development.

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Migrant communities are natural bridges, with one foot in their hometown and one foot in the national network. This Dalihan Na Tolu concept must continue to be utilized to build strength in advancing the region.

Parlin Pasaribu, another Padang Lawas migrant and Director of PT Wave Communication Indonesia, echoed the sentiment. While acknowledging the appeal of Padang Lawas' natural resources to investors, he emphasized that the benefits of investment should extend beyond corporate profits. The focus, he stated, should be on how economic activities can genuinely improve the lives of the local population, suggesting a need for investments that contribute to human capital development and overall community well-being.

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This concept is very strong social capital. And migrant communities are natural bridges, where one foot is in the hometown and one foot is in the National network. Where this Dalihan Na Tolu concept can continue to be utilized in relationships and building strength in advancing the region.