MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM – Medan Mayor Rico Tri Putra Bayu Waas has expressed strong support for "Samudera," a feature film produced by young filmmakers from Medan, North Sumatra, on Monday, May 25, 2026.
The mayor praised the production as more than just entertainment, highlighting its potential to strengthen the local film industry and pave the way for broader national recognition.
During an official audience at Medan City Hall, Mayor Rico Waas received producer Dewi Budiati Teruna Said and her team. On this occasion, he was formally invited to attend the film's gala premiere scheduled for June 3, 2026, at Cinepolis Sun Plaza Medan.
Read Also: KAI Backs Replacement Bridge Project in Medan Polonia Rico expressed pride in the achievement of Medan's young filmmakers who managed to bring their work to the big screen without the backing of major Jakarta-based production houses.
"This is a very positive development. Samudera was produced by people from Medan. Films are not only about financial success, but also about meaningful stories that can resonate with a wider audience," he said.
Urban Stories with Strong Social Messages
The mayor emphasized that Medan is rich in social dynamics that can be transformed into compelling cinematic narratives. According to him, urban life offers a wide range of stories with strong social messages.
Read Also: Medan Mayor Leads Massive Cleanup at Teladan Stadium Ahead of AFF U-19 Cup "There are many social issues in this city that can be portrayed through film, such as the fight against drugs and various forms of urban social interaction," Rico added.
Hope for Sustainable Creative Economy Support
Producer Dewi Budiati Teruna Said stated that "Samudera" was born from the love of young people in Medan for their hometown. She emphasized that the local identity of the production is its greatest strength.
She also expressed hope that the Medan City Government will continue to support the growth of the creative and film industry.
Read Also: Rico Waas Aims to Make Pesparani a Prestigious Annual Event in Medan "We hope the city government will continue to provide space for the local creative industry so more young talents from Medan can produce inspiring works," she said. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Teguh Panjaitan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
Read Also: Medan Mayor Warns of Online Gambling Surge as OJK Chief Bids Farewell