MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM – The Medan City Government has accelerated land acquisition efforts in the Sei Kera Hilir area as part of a strategic move to support a regional flood management initiative. The step is aimed at fast-tracking the implementation of a river normalization project funded through international financing, strengthening investment security, and improving public welfare.
A coordination meeting between the Medan City Government, the Sumatera II River Basin Authority (BBWSS II), and PT Kawasan Industri Medan (KIM) was held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, chaired by Medan Mayor Rico Tri Putra Bayu Waas.
The meeting was attended by Bappeda Head Ferry Ichsan, Head of Housing, Settlement and Spatial Planning Agency John Ester Lase, PT KIM CEO Dedy Mulyana, and BBWS Sumatera II representative Robby Ginting.
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The Sei Kera, also known as Sungai Sulang-Saling, serves as a primary drainage channel for Medan City and parts of Deli Serdang Regency. However, increasing sedimentation and land-use changes have triggered recurring floods, severely affecting both residential and industrial zones.
Mayor Rico Tri Putra Bayu Waas emphasized that the project covers a catchment area of approximately 1,800 hectares.
"The impact is not limited to KIM, but also affects communities and the environment in northern Medan and Mabar," Rico stated.
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To overcome delays, the Medan City Government has taken direct responsibility for accelerating the previously stalled land acquisition process, which was hindered by differing land price expectations among stakeholders.
The city is implementing several key measures: first, appointing the independent appraisal institution KJPP to ensure fair and objective land valuation. Second, intensifying direct communication with owners of the remaining four land parcels, involving the National Land Agency (BPN) and local authorities. Third, preparing a legal consignment mechanism for compensation deposits should no agreement be reached, in accordance with public interest project regulations.
NUFREP Project Targets "Clean and Clear" Land Status
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Mayor Rico Waas stressed the importance of completing all administrative and legal processes promptly.
"We aim to finalize this process and achieve a clean and clear status so the project can proceed without obstacles," he said. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Teguh Panjaitan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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