After inspecting a mass communal work event, Medan Mayor Rico Tri Putra Bayu Waas met with residents of Medan Selayang District on Raharja Street, neighborhood XII, Tanjung Sari Village.
This regularly held weekend Meet the Residents activity serves as both a means of fostering relationships and listening to the suggestions and complaints of Medan’s citizens.
Not only listening to suggestions, Rico Waas also directly addressed residents’ complaints. These included infrastructure issues such as flooding, road paving, and non-functioning street lights.
Additionally, residents’ concerns regarding drugs and public order were wisely addressed by Rico Waas.
The meeting was filled with a warm and familial atmosphere, particularly when residents voiced their grievances. As shared by a resident named Safrin.
He explained that the ditches in his neighborhood don’t connect to the main drainage, so when it rains heavily and the ditches are full, they overflow into yards and even homes. Furthermore, the edges of some ditches are eroding.
“Many of the street lights here (Raharja Street) are also out, so it’s quite dark, Mr. Mayor. Additionally, I request that the alley where I live, which hasn’t been paved yet while others have, be addressed. Thank you, Mr. Mayor, for listening to our complaints,” he said.
Another resident, Surtiyem, also voiced concerns about unpaved alleys in the area, noting that it was proposed during the development planning meeting but remains unrealized this year.
“We, the community, sincerely hope that the paving or asphalt work can be carried out soon with your presence here,” she said.
Rico Waas responded directly to these complaints. Regarding the drainage ditch issue, it will be reviewed by the relevant Public Works agency. Because some drainage sections are on national roads, coordination with the national office will be necessary.
“The street lighting will be handled directly by the Transportation Agency today. As for the alley roads, they are already on the work list and just awaiting execution. Hopefully, it will be done this year; please be patient,” said Rico Waas.
Next, another resident, Saimin, raised concerns about drugs. “We residents ask for your help, Mr. Mayor, to eradicate drugs in our neighborhood. Another complaint relates to public order; there’s a cafe with loud music disturbing residents and even a campus behind its wall.”
“We are very troubled by the drug problem. Help us, Mr. Mayor. We are also ready to support by mobilizing other residents to make this area drug-free,” said Saimin.
Similar concerns were echoed by Asnah. She and other residents are alarmed by the rampant drug circulation in their area. Additionally, Asnah inquired about any potential increase in Land and Building Tax (PBB) in Medan.
“Here, there are homes being used for drug transactions and use, even packages sold for Rp 20,000. Many children are falling victim to drug crimes. We are deeply concerned about this situation. Please, Mr. Mayor, eradicate this quickly as it is very distressing,” she stated.
Hearing this, Rico Waas emphasized that the Medan city government will immediately coordinate with law enforcement to crack down on drug circulation in the area.
“The local police chief is here; hopefully, the drug problem can be resolved soon. Subsequently, the district and village heads will also monitor and coordinate with the police,” explained Rico Waas.
Regarding the PBB increase, Rico Waas affirmed that under his leadership, the Medan city government has not raised PBB rates. However, PBB funds are public money returned to the community in the form of road repairs and city development.
Furthermore, Rico Waas also conveyed the Medan city government’s program to redeem diplomas for children from underprivileged families. This program is a form of care for the younger generation of Medan to continue their education.
“The Medan city government currently has a Diploma Redemption program. If there are children in Medan Selayang District whose diplomas are held due to financial constraints, we will redeem them. With this program, our children must not lose their future just because of economic problems,” said Rico Waas.
