Friday, 04 September 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The 436-year history of the City of Medan represents not only the age of a metropolitan hub but also a reflection of its historical journey, urban development, and strong aspirations toward a more progressive future. This was stated by the Mayor of Medan, Rico Waas, in his address during the plenary session commemorating the 436th Anniversary of Medan City, held at the Medan City Council (DPRD) building on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
The plenary commemorative session was chaired by the Speaker of the Medan City Council, Wong Chun Sen. The event was attended by Deputy Mayor H. Zakiyuddin Harahap, representatives of the North Sumatra Provincial Government, Deputy Regent of Deli Serdang Lom Lom Suwondo, and members of the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda). Also present were Medan Police Chief Kombes Pol Jean Calvijn Simanjuntak, Kodim 0201/Medan Military Commander Lt. Col. Arm Delli Yudha Adi Nurcahyo, Medan City Regional Secretary Ir. Wiriya Al Rahman, Chairperson of TP PKK Medan Ny Airin Rico Waas, PKK Advisor Ny Martinijal Zakiyuddin Harahap, Chairperson of Dharma Wanita Persatuan Ny Ismiralda Wiriya Al Rahman, members of the city council, heads of regional organizations (OPD), district heads, village heads, and representatives from civil society across Medan.He also called on all stakeholders—government institutions, legislative bodies, and the public—to work collectively toward realizing the vision of "Medan Bertuah," a progressive and sustainable city. According to him, synergy among all elements of governance is essential to addressing the challenges of an ever-evolving metropolitan area.
Reaffirming the city government's commitment, Rico Waas highlighted the ongoing transformation of public services through digitalization. He noted that existing achievements should be seen not as final outcomes but as a starting point for greater responsibility.
"Today we invite everyone to open their hearts and work even better. All achievements shown are just numbers. In reality, the community still requires hard work and collective dedication," said Rico Waas.He further reminded that every government position carries a profound responsibility toward the public, emphasizing that office-holding is not merely status but a moral duty that must be carried out with integrity and dedication.
Rico also acknowledged that governance is not without challenges. There will be days of pressure and exhaustion, yet these must be borne in the interest of public service. True satisfaction in public administration, he said, comes when people experience real and positive change."Without them and the former mayors, Medan would not be where it is today. Every administration leaves a legacy. Therefore, we too must leave the best legacy for the citizens," he stated.
He also underlined the importance of integrity across all levels of government-from OPD offices to districts and local administrative units-emphasizing that the public expects not titles, but real and measurable results.Future development will focus on seven core missions: Medan Berbudaya, Medan Energik, Medan Ramah, Medan Tertib, Medan Unggul, Medan Aman, and Medan Humanis. These missions are designed to build a city that is not only physically modern but also socially and culturally resilient.
In addition, the city administration has introduced 17 strategic programs. In the economic and MSME sector, initiatives include entrepreneurship training, MSME market development, digital literacy enhancement, and capital assistance for small businesses.In the security and public order sector, programs include traffic optimization, improved urban cleanliness, establishment of neighborhood security teams, installation of 1,000 streetlights, and expansion of CCTV networks in crime-prone areas.
In education and healthcare, the focus is on equitable access, particularly in North Medan, through the construction of new community health centers. The "Tebus Ijazah" program successfully redeemed 329 diplomas in 2025, alongside scholarships for underprivileged and high-achieving students.In social welfare, the government is implementing affordable food programs, direct assistance under "Medan Humanis," support for the elderly and persons with disabilities, as well as compensation for crime victims. Infrastructure improvements have also been carried out at 568 locations, covering a total drainage length of 194,830 meters for flood mitigation.
Concluding his remarks, Rico Waas acknowledged that Medan continues to face significant challenges, including flooding, damaged road infrastructure, drug abuse, as well as social and economic poverty. However, he remained optimistic that these issues can be resolved through strong collaboration among government institutions and society.
"May Medan continue to move forward and improve. All problems can be solved together—from flooding, drainage, damaged roads, drugs, to social challenges, poverty, and education. These must be addressed as quickly as possible," he said. (IDCN)REPORTER: Teguh Panjaitan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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