Natural Born Leader
Indonesia needs intelligent young leaders who possess true integrity. Drs. H. Musa Rajekshah, the elected Deputy Governor of North Sumatera for the 2018-2023 period, is one such figure. Novranto Huntua writes
In the midst of the longing of Indonesian people for true and honest leaders, we rarely find intelligent young figures who consistently dedicate their lives to the environment, nation, and people. But one of those inspiring figures has emerged in the form of Drs. H. Musa Rajekshah, M.hum., who is currently Deputy Governor of North Sumatera for the 2018 to 2023 period. Not only prioritising the problems at hand, he is also full of bright ideas.
“I am determined to transform North Sumatera into an advanced, safe, prosperous, and dignified region,” says Musa, familiarly known as Ijeck, about his vision to lead North Sumatra alongside its Governor, former TNI Lieutenant General Edy Rahmayadi. Therefore, a sense of unity and support from all elements of society is needed to help realise the progress of development for the region.
Furthermore, Ijeck, who was born in Medan on April 1, 1974, explains that there are five work programmes that are his main focus points. First, boosting the economy, not only in urban areas, but also at the rural level by improving the agricultural and fisheries industries; second, improving infrastructure in the form of roads and public facilities; third, improving education in order to prepare smart human resources who can develop the region; fourth, improving health facilities and services; and finally increasing employment opportunities.
“To achieve all that, we invite domestic and foreign investors to invest in North Sumatera. Of course, we will review the regulations and licensing services that might hamper the process in order to provide convenience, comfort, and transparency for investors,” Ijeck explains.
On the other hand, as a person who is fond of and experienced in sports, especially motorsports, Ijeck is also determined to include sports facilities in tourist areas as part of his future work programme. He adds that this can be a driving force for regional promotion and improvements in the local economy. Furthermore, various sporting activities, especially at the international level, are routinely held as an effective means of promotion, attracting tourists and driving the economy in the wider community.
Ijeck gives one example of an upcoming event, Sumatera Bike Week (SBW), which is going to be held in early December 2018. The international event, which is on the permanent agenda of the North Sumatera Harley Davidson Club Indonesia, will be held in the Lake Toba region and joined by hundreds of participants or bikers—not only from within the country, but also from abroad. Through this event, Ijeck not only wants to promote the beauty of nature and tourist destinations in the region, but also to drive the economy of the community, such as increasing the occupancy of hotels, visitors to restaurants, and customers of the culinary and handicraft industries.
Born to the family of a prominent businessman in Medan, Ijeck is very close to his father, Haji Anif Shah, who is widely known among the people in North Sumatera. Haji Anif is especially known because of
his generosity and successful career as an entrepreneur. Moreover, Haji Anif and his family are actively involved in many social activities in the area.
For Ijeck, the eighth child of nine siblings, his father is an exemplary figure who eventually became his idol. He is a smart entrepreneur who has a broad network and at the same time he is also religious and possesses a strong social spirit. According to Ijeck, his father has donated a lot to charity as gratitude for being given the mercy of sustenance by God.
“My parents used to live in difficult conditions—there was a time when we did not even have rice,” Ijek recalls. “The remaining rice was made into porridge so that it could be shared with all the nine children. That hardship taught me to always be passionate about working and caring for others,” says the graduate who holds a Master of Laws degree from the University of North Sumatera.
His father’s attention and encouragement was so great that Ijeck always appeared confident. The main advice imparted by his father is never to avoid challenges. One must always be determined to deal with whatever life may bring. Ijeck’s principle is that great results are generated from the best actions carried out with full commitment, discipline, and consistency. “In every field, if we persevere diligently and focus in achieving our goals, we will surely be able to achieve success,” says Ijeck, who himself is a father of four.
Ijeck has achieved a number of successes, but it hasn’t always been easy. His life has been full of struggles, sweat, and tears. From Ijeck’s perspective, only people who have strong characters will succeed in becoming winners in life. For this reason, to the younger generation, Ijeck advises the development of characteristics that include love, always giving thanks to God, and devotion to one’s parents. Grow an unyielding attitude, and develop independence and responsibility, he says. Maintain honesty, trust and humility, as well as respect and love, and always be generous to your friends, he concludes.