DELI SERDANG | INDATANEWS.COM - The Deli Serdang Regency Government on Saturday, August 29, 2026, installed a barrier restricting access to the banks of the Ular River in Pagar Merbau District. The measure was taken to prevent sand trucks from entering the riverbank area, which has increasingly been affected by erosion and sedimentation.
The 2.6-meter-wide barrier was installed in cooperation with units of the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri).
Deli Serdang Regent dr. H. Asri Ludin Tambunan personally inspected the condition of the
Ular River riverbank and ensured that the barrier was installed as intended.
The Deli Serdang Regency Government considers the use of trucks for sand extraction an activity that could worsen environmental damage around the river. The riverbank, which has already been affected by erosion, is therefore receiving government attention, as the damage could disrupt the ecological balance in the area.
Truck Access to Riverbank Restricted
Deli Serdang Regent dr. H. Asri Ludin Tambunan said the installation of the barrier was one of the government's measures to control vehicle access to the Ular River riverbank. According to him, the riverbank has suffered visible damage that requires urgent attention.
"We hope this barrier will help prevent trucks from reaching the
Ular River riverbank to transport sand. At present, significant erosion is already occurring along the riverbank," he said during an inspection of the
Ular River in
Pagar Merbau District.
The regency government took the measure as a preventive step to ensure that sand extraction does not further deteriorate the condition of the riverbank. In addition to erosion, increasing sedimentation has also been observed at several points along the river, potentially affecting environmental conditions and the surrounding ecosystem.
The 2.6-meter-wide barrier also serves to regulate the types of vehicles that can access the riverbank. As a result, sand trucks can no longer freely enter areas where there is a risk of further environmental degradation.
SAND TRUCKS BARRED FROM ACCESS: Deli Serdang Regent Asri Ludin Tambunan emphasizes that the access restriction applies exclusively to trucks used for sand extraction. Residents can continue using the road to transport agricultural products. (PHOTO: Edi Saputra)
Residents Can Continue Their Activities
Despite the restriction on trucks, the Deli Serdang Regency Government stressed that the measure is not intended to prevent residents from carrying out their activities. Local residents can continue using the road to transport agricultural products, which remain an important part of economic activity in the surrounding area.
Asri Ludin emphasized that the government is only restricting heavy vehicles, particularly trucks entering the area for
sand extraction. Access remains open to residents who depend on the route for their daily activities.
"We are not completely closing the road, but only installing a barrier for trucks. Many people still need to transport their agricultural products. Hopefully, this measure can help protect the environment around the Ular River riverbank," he said.
The policy also reflects the regency government's efforts to balance community interests with
environmental protection. Access has not been completely closed; instead, vehicle use is being regulated, particularly for vehicles considered potentially harmful to the condition of the riverbank.
The measure is also expected to encourage the community to participate in protecting the area around the Ular River. The government views riverbank protection not merely as the responsibility of authorities, but as a shared responsibility involving residents and security personnel operating in the region.
SUPPORTING THE "INDONESIA ASRI" INITIATIVE: The
Deli Serdang Regency Government installs a 2.6-meter-wide barrier at the access point to the
Ular River riverbank to protect the environment and support the "Indonesia Asri" initiative. (PHOTO: Edi Saputra)
Supporting the "Indonesia Asri" Initiative
In addition to protecting the riverbank, the
Deli Serdang Regency Government has linked the measure to the "Indonesia Asri" initiative launched by President Prabowo Subianto. The regency government considers
environmental protection an important component of sustainable development.
The condition of the Ular River has become a focus of attention because its riverbanks serve an important ecological function for surrounding areas. Continued erosion can further wear away the riverbanks, while increasing sedimentation can affect water flow and the condition of the ecosystem.
Through the installation of the barrier, the government hopes that
sand extraction using trucks will decrease and that the condition of the riverbank can gradually stabilize. The
Deli Serdang Regency Government has also called on all parties to refrain from activities that could further deteriorate environmental conditions around the
Ular River.
The involvement of TNI and Polri personnel in the measure is expected to further strengthen monitoring of access to the riverbank. The government hopes the installed barrier will serve as an initial step toward protecting the area from sand extraction activities that could potentially cause environmental damage.
The
Deli Serdang Regency Government must now ensure that monitoring continues consistently so that the barrier does not remain merely a physical structure, but genuinely contributes to protecting the
Ular River riverbank. Through joint monitoring and greater environmental awareness among residents, the government hopes to contain environmental damage in the area.
The measure is also part of the Deli Serdang Regency Government's commitment to environmental preservation without overlooking the needs of the community. Access for transporting agricultural products remains available, while trucks carrying sand are subject to restrictions to protect the Ular River riverbank. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Edi Saputra | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala