November 3, 2025 | 03:23 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Since becoming Governor of North Sumatra, Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution has found a new pastime. He never misses a home match of PSMS Medan. When he was Mayor of Medan, Bobby did not show much interest in the soccer club.
In late October 2025, the 34-year-old Governor attended PSMS's match against Persiraja Banda Aceh at North Sumatra Main Stadium. PSMS won 1-0, and Bobby joined the cheering crowd when the home team scored. "He's only recently started showing up to watch," said Lawren Simorangkir, General Chair of Smeck Hooligan, a PSMS supporters' group, on Wednesday, October 29.
Whenever he attends, Bobby-husband of Kahiyang Ayu, daughter of former Indonesian President Joko Widodo-often brings along friends his age. Among them is Samuel Larso Pardomoan Nababan, who was recently appointed Chief Operating Officer of PSMS Medan. Bobby posted photos from that match on his Instagram account the same day.
Bobby has known Samuel for a long time. Someone familiar with their relationship said Samuel met Bobby through Ade Jona Prasetyo, Bobby's longtime associate who now serves as a member of Commission XII of the House of Representatives and heads the North Sumatra branch of the Gerindra Party. Bobby calls him "El."
Many know Samuel as Bobby's right-hand man in mining affairs. He currently serves as President Commissioner of Sahabat Bara Reswara, a coal transport company under Sahabat Jaya Reswara, which is owned by Bobby's wife, Kahiyang Ayu.
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