LABUHANBATU SELATAN | INDATANEWS.COM - In an effort to prevent flooding during the rainy season, Kotapinang Village Head Mirwan Sentosa Siregar joined several neighbourhood heads (Kepling) on Friday morning, 6 November 2026, to clean drainage ditches and clear blocked inspection openings in Kampung Jawa, Kotapinang Urban Village.
The community clean-up operation formed part of the Jumat Pagi Bersih Lingkungan (Jumpa Berlian) programme, launched by the
Kotapinang urban village administration. The initiative aims not only to improve cleanliness in residential areas but also to serve as a preventive measure to reduce the risk of waterlogging that could develop into flooding.
The urban village administration deliberately chose to carry out the cleaning work before heavy rainfall could cause problems. This step is considered important because poorly maintained and blocked drainage channels can obstruct water flow, particularly when rainfall increases.
Clearing Drains Before Flooding Occurs
Using basic cleaning equipment, Mirwan Sentosa Siregar and the neighbourhood heads cleared the drainage ditches. They also opened inspection chambers that had become blocked by debris, preventing water from flowing properly.
They ensured that the drainage channels could function effectively again, allowing water to flow freely. The cleaning operation was also intended to prevent large volumes of water from accumulating in residential areas during rainfall.
The initiative highlights the importance of regularly maintaining local infrastructure. Clean and properly functioning drainage systems are among the key factors in preventing flooding, both in urban areas and densely populated residential neighbourhoods.
In addition to clearing the drainage channels, the direct involvement of the urban village administration is intended to set an example for residents, encouraging them not to neglect the condition of their immediate surroundings.
KOTAPINANG VILLAGE HEAD CALLS FOR GREATER ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS: Mirwan Sentosa Siregar highlights the importance of solidarity and shared responsibility in maintaining environmental cleanliness and preventing flooding. (PHOTO: Jhon Fitra Sagala)
Mirwan: Environmental Cleanliness Is a Shared Responsibility
Kotapinang Village Head Mirwan Sentosa Siregar stressed that environmental maintenance was not solely the government's responsibility. In his view, the entire community shared an equal responsibility for keeping their surroundings clean and preventing problems that could affect everyone.
"This reflects our concern for the environment and our spirit of togetherness in maintaining cleanliness and preventing flooding. A clean environment is our shared responsibility," he emphasised.
He expressed hope that community clean-up activities of this kind would continue regularly and consistently. Through public participation, awareness of environmental cleanliness and the maintenance of public facilities in residential areas could be further strengthened.
Mirwan also reminded residents that neglected drainage channels could disrupt water flow. This could lead to flooding and waterlogging, particularly when heavy rain falls across the
Kotapinang area.
He therefore urged residents not to rely solely on cleaning teams or the urban village administration to maintain their surroundings. Residents also needed to take an active role in looking after ditches, drainage channels and water outlets to ensure that flood prevention measures were implemented effectively.
NEIGHBOURHOOD HEADS JOIN DRAINAGE CLEAN-UP: Kampung Malim Neighbourhood Head Irwansyah Putra Dalimuthe, Kalapane Neighbourhood Head Muhammad Efendi Harahap, and Tujuh Jadi/Kogem Neighbourhood Head Miswanto take part in the
Jumpa Berlian programme. (PHOTO: Jhon Fitra Sagala)
Jumpa Berlian Aims to Strengthen Environmental Awareness
Several neighbourhood heads also took part in the joint cleaning operation in Kampung Jawa. They included Kampung Malim Neighbourhood Head Irwansyah Putra Dalimuthe, Kalapane Neighbourhood Head Muhammad Efendi Harahap, and Tujuh Jadi/Kogem Neighbourhood Head Miswanto.
Their participation demonstrated cooperation between local administrative structures in supporting the cleanliness programme organised by the Kotapinang urban village administration.
Through the
Jumpa Berlian programme, the
Kotapinang administration aims to establish lasting environmental awareness among residents. This means that efforts to keep the surroundings clean should not begin only when problems arise but should become a regular part of everyday life.
This shared commitment is reflected in the slogan: "Labusel Kampung Kita, Kita Bangun, Kita Jaga, Kita Rawat" (Labusel is our home – we build it, protect it and care for it).
The urban village administration hopes that cooperation between administrative staff, neighbourhood heads and residents will make
Kotapinang cleaner, healthier and more liveable. In addition to improving residential and environmental conditions, the habit of working together is also expected to strengthen public awareness of flood risks.
The preventive cleaning of drainage channels serves as a reminder that flooding should not be addressed only after water has already reached roads and residential areas. Regular maintenance of water outlets, responsible environmental practices and public participation are essential measures that must be carried out continuously.
The joint clean-up operation in Kampung Jawa also demonstrates that improvements to the local environment can begin with simple actions. When the administration and residents work together, environmental protection becomes more than just an appeal; it is translated into practical action within the community itself.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Jhon Fitra Sagala | EDITOR: Fik Sagal