MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM – Medan Mayor, Rico Waas, received a delegation from the Media Indonesia Raya organization at Medan City Hall on Thursday, May 7, 2026. The meeting highlighted the strategic role of the media as a credible information pillar in supporting national and regional government programs.
Rico Waas underscored the essential responsibility of journalists in maintaining high-quality reporting standards.
"We warmly welcome media representatives. What matters most today is maintaining credibility. Reporting must remain objective, not subjective, and should constructively support national programs so their impact can truly reach the people of Medan," he said.
Read Also: Rico Waas Promotes Legal Literacy in Medan Through AdNI Collaboration He also stressed that the media plays a crucial role in delivering balanced and accurate information regarding development programs to the public.
MBG Program Boosts Local Economy
The mayor further explained Medan's commitment to supporting national strategic initiatives, particularly the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program.
Currently, Medan operates 187 units of the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) out of a planned 255 units, which are expected to serve approximately 700,000 children daily.
Read Also: Rico Waas Backs 2026 Student Futsal Tournament to Boost Youth Sports Development "The MBG program is not only a nutrition initiative but also an economic driver. Its impact is significant, especially in strengthening local economic actors," Rico said.
Protection Measures for Crime Victims
Rico Waas also introduced new measures being prepared by the city government to protect victims of street crime.
The administration is currently developing a legal framework to allocate a special budget for victims of street robbery who are not covered by the national health insurance scheme (BPJS).
Read Also: Medan Speeds Up BRT Mebidang Project Under Mayor Rico Waas "We aim to provide fast assistance and protection for citizens who become victims of street crime and do not have BPJS coverage," he added.
Media Indonesia Raya Ready for Collaboration
Chairman of Media Indonesia Raya, Muhri Fauzi Hafiz, expressed the organization's readiness to serve as a strategic partner of the Medan City Government.
"We are ready to collaborate with the Medan City Government in supporting ongoing programs for the benefit of the community," he stated.
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The meeting was attended by several city officials, including Head of the Medan Communication and Information Agency Arrahmaan Pane, Acting Head of the Education and Culture Office Laksamana Putra, Head of the Social Affairs Office Khoiruddin Rangkuti, and Acting Head of the Health Office Henny Savitri. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Teguh Panjaitan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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