Monday, 22 June 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The City Government of Medan is intensifying its efforts to transform the municipality into a sustainable, modern, and environmentally friendly metropolis. This commitment was reaffirmed by Medan Mayor Rico Tri Putra Bayu Waas during an official reception with the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General and Regional Director of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for Asia and the Pacific, Kanni Wignaraja. The meeting took place during a dinner accompanied by a cultural program at the pavilion of the Mayor's official residence in Medan on Saturday evening, June 20, 2026.
The warm and cordial gathering served as an important moment for the municipal government to present its ongoing initiatives in sustainable urban development. In front of the United Nations Development Programme delegation, Rico Waas emphasized that economic growth must not come at the expense of the environment. Growth, social welfare, and environmental protection must move in parallel to ensure long-term benefits for future generations.
"The Medan City Government is strongly committed to realizing sustainable and environmentally friendly development. We are convinced that economic growth, social welfare, and environmental protection must go hand in hand," said Rico Waas.
Economic Growth and Environmental Balance
This statement reflects Medan's strategic direction, which not only prioritizes economic expansion but also increasingly integrates international sustainability principles. The city is positioning itself in alignment with global development goals, reinforcing its commitment to balanced and inclusive progress.
In 2024, Medan produced a total of 632,149.41 tons of household waste. Nevertheless, the city administration succeeded in reducing and managing more than 80 percent of this waste through various programs and active community participation.
According to Rico Waas, public involvement is a crucial factor in the success of waste reduction efforts. The city continues to promote environmentally conscious behavior, including household waste segregation and community-based waste management initiatives.
In addition, the municipal government is strengthening its waste management infrastructure through modern and integrated systems. These measures form part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce environmental impact and establish a more sustainable waste management framework.
Both projects are considered strategic solutions to Medan's long-term waste challenges and those of the surrounding region. They are being developed in collaboration with the central government and aim to establish a modern and economically viable waste processing system.
The regional PSEL Medan Raya project is expected to process more than 1,700 tons of waste per day, significantly reducing the volume of waste currently disposed of in landfills.
To accelerate the project, the city government has undertaken several strategic measures, including land acquisition, the development of access roads and drainage systems, and the expansion of the waste transport fleet.
"The various steps demonstrate that the PSEL project is no longer in the planning stage but has entered the implementation phase—through land provision, infrastructure development, asset legalization, and operational preparation," Rico Waas stated.
The project is expected not only to address environmental issues but also to generate electricity that can benefit the public, effectively turning waste into a valuable economic resource.
She emphasized that the two objectives are not contradictory and can be pursued simultaneously when guided by a clear vision.
"For UNDP, economic growth and environmental protection are not opposing goals. Both can be achieved at the same time, and this city demonstrates exactly that," said Kanni Wignaraja.
She also highlighted Medan's strong potential, particularly its young and productive population, which could serve as a driving force for future development.
"When you are a mayor, you are closely connected to the people. You listen to them and can make things better," she added.
With ongoing programs in place, the city government remains confident in its vision to develop Medan into a modern, competitive, and environmentally conscious metropolis. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Teguh Panjaitan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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