MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - Recurrent flooding and the deteriorating condition of road infrastructure have once again become the focal point of complaints from residents of Kelurahan Besar in Medan Labuhan District. The concerns were directly conveyed to Medan Mayor Rico Tri Putra Bayu Waas during the "Sapa Warga" public forum held on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at the Al Hijrah Mosque in the BTN Complex.
Residents used the forum not only to voice their grievances but also to demand concrete action from the municipal government to resolve long-standing infrastructure problems. The mayor, accompanied by several senior city officials, immediately responded with a range of proposed solutions, including short-term infrastructure improvements and a structured flood management strategy.
Chronic Flooding Continues to Disrupt Daily Life
One of the most prominent voices came from Hera Sianturi, a resident of Kelurahan Besar, who described flooding as a persistent and unresolved issue. She emphasized that the recurring floods not only disrupt daily activities but also impose psychological burdens, particularly on the elderly and widows in the community.
"We, who are still young and strong, are already exhausted by these continuous floods—how much more difficult it must be for our parents and the widows here," she said.
According to her, the residential complex's topography, which resembles a basin, causes water to accumulate and drain poorly. Damaged embankments further worsen the situation. She therefore called for stronger and more durable dike construction to prevent water from entering residential areas.
Structured Planning for Long-Term Solutions
In response, Mayor Rico Tri Putra Bayu Waas reaffirmed his commitment to comprehensively addressing the chronic flooding issues in the BTN Complex of
Medan Labuhan. He stressed that half-measures would not deliver sustainable results.
He instructed the City's Water Resources, Public Works, and Construction Agency (SDABMBK) to prepare a comprehensive infrastructure blueprint for the area. Detailed cost calculations were also ordered to ensure effective and efficient implementation.
The Area Increasingly Resembles a Swamp
Rico also noted that environmental conditions in the BTN Complex have significantly deteriorated. In his assessment, the area now increasingly resembles swamp-like terrain due to persistently stagnant water.
He pointed to continuously flooded drainage channels around residential and religious facilities, which have already shown algae growth and discoloration. According to him, this is a clear indication that serious and phased technical intervention is urgently required.
Data Collection as the Basis for Technical Planning
He further instructed district officials to systematically map and record the elevation levels of all residential houses. This data will serve as a foundation for potential road elevation projects and the redesign of the drainage system.
Beyond flooding, residents also raised concerns over road conditions and malfunctioning street lighting (LPJU). Titi, another resident, warned of safety risks caused by insufficient lighting during nighttime hours.
Mayor Rico stated that the Transportation Agency, in coordination with the state electricity company PLN (Perusahaan Listrik Negara), would carry out necessary repairs and replace damaged lighting poles.
Improved Access to Administrative Services
Another resident, Sipahutar, criticized the difficulty in accessing administrative services and called for a mobile civil service unit or a Public Service Mall in the Medan Labuhan area. He also highlighted limited employment opportunities for young people.
Rico explained that administrative services such as ID cards and family documents can now be processed at district offices. He also announced plans to conduct "MPP Roadshows" to further improve service accessibility.
Closing the forum, the mayor emphasized that all public complaints would be seriously followed up. He also pledged more frequent field visits to directly monitor progress on the ground.
Medan Labuhan Declared Priority Development Area
Rico reaffirmed that the BTN Complex in Medan Labuhan is a priority area for urban development and will receive comprehensive improvements moving forward.
"The situation in
Medan Labuhan, particularly in the BTN Complex, is a key focus for me. We will work together to improve it," he said in conclusion.
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