MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - Medan Mayor Rico Waas emphasized that data accuracy is a crucial foundation for developing targeted government policies. According to him, reliable data allows the Medan City Government to better identify regional potential and improve the effectiveness of development planning.
The statement was made by
Rico Waas during a meeting with the board members of Ikatan Sarjana Al-Washliyah (Isarah) Kota Medan at the mayor's official residence on Monday, July 6, 2026. The meeting was held in a warm and friendly atmosphere while also discussing potential synergies between the
Medan City Government and the Al-Washliyah scholars' organization.
Data Management Strengthens Policy Decision-Making
During the meeting,
Rico Waas explained that the
Medan City Government has the Badan Riset dan Inovasi Daerah (Brida) Kota Medan, which plays an important role in developing various research outcomes to support government decision-making processes.
He said the Medan City Government is currently exploring cooperation with the Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional (BRIN) in the management and processing of data. The initiative is aimed at strengthening the information processing system so that future policies can be formulated based on scientific analysis and accurate data.
"I want existing data to be processed using artificial intelligence in the future, so that the potential of each district can be identified,"
Rico Waas said.
Rico Waas explained that the use of modern technology in data processing would provide a clearer picture of the various potentials in each district across Medan. This would enable the government to design development programs based on the actual needs of the community.
According to him,
accurate data would also make it easier for the
Medan City Government to determine policy strategies, including investment development planning.
"When investments come to Medan, we will know where they should be directed so that these investments do not become underutilized," Rico Waas stated.
He stressed that investments in Medan require clear direction to ensure they provide maximum benefits for economic growth and regional development. Therefore, comprehensive data is an important foundation for identifying the potential of various sectors and developing them in a targeted manner.
Academic Collaboration Supports Regional Development
In addition to strengthening data management,
Rico Waas also appreciated the contribution of the large Al-Washliyah community, which has continued to support the development of Medan City. He recognized Isarah as a platform for academics and intellectuals capable of providing constructive input for the government.
"Thoughts and ideas that produce solutions are needed by the Medan City Government," he said, adding that the administration is open to collaboration with Isarah.
Meanwhile,
Isarah Medan Chairman Zuhri Arif explained that the meeting was held to strengthen cooperation and introduce the new organizational leadership selected through an internal deliberation process.
Zuhri said Isarah serves as a platform for Al-Washliyah alumni and intellectuals who are committed to contributing scientific perspectives for regional development.
"Isarah is an organization of academics and intellectuals. Our movement is solely intended to support the government with tactical solutions. Therefore, our main goal is to build strong synergy with the mayor," Zuhri said.
He expressed hope that cooperation between Isarah and the Medan City Government could continue to grow, allowing various ideas and academic studies from its members to support future development programs.
Zuhri added that Isarah is ready to become a strategic partner for the regional government by providing scientifically based perspectives and analyses. Collaboration between the government and academic circles, he said, is an important element in addressing various development challenges.
City Government and Academics Expand Cooperation
At the end of the meeting, Zuhri Arif presented an official invitation to Mayor
Rico Waas to attend the inauguration ceremony of the new
Isarah Medan board, which is scheduled to take place on September 22.
The invitation is part of efforts to further strengthen institutional ties between Isarah and the Medan City Government. Through its new leadership, Isarah aims to become more active in contributing ideas and supporting development programs implemented by the city administration.
Rico Waas welcomed the spirit of cooperation and stated that the
Medan City Government remains open to partnerships with various community elements, including intellectual organizations committed to advancing Medan.
Collaboration between regional governments and academic groups can strengthen the policy-making process, particularly when supported by accurate data, scientific analysis, and the use of modern technology. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Teguh Panjaitan | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala