MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM – The Mayor of Medan, Rico Waas, emphasized that technology is no longer merely a tool, but has evolved into a key solution to various modern challenges, particularly in public services and youth development.
He delivered the statement during the closing ceremony of the
Medan Coding Competition 2026 held at the auditorium of Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara on Saturday (May 9, 2026).
"Technology creates solutions," he said.
Read Also: Medan Strengthens Job Linkages Through Youth Training Programs Technology Responds to Modern ChallengesThe event was attended by several prominent figures, including Prof. Dr. H. Agussani, Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd., Yoshida Sary, Head of BRIDA Benny Iskandar, and representatives of the Medan City Government.
Rico Waas explained that technology is born from human needs to solve problems efficiently. He illustrated this evolution through communication development—from letters that took days to deliver to instant messaging sent within seconds.
Digital Transformation Across All Sectors
Read Also: Rico Waas Promotes Legal Literacy in Medan Through AdNI Collaboration He further noted that technological advancement has reshaped not only communication but also work systems and public administration. Today, presentations are fully digital and interactive, while virtual meetings became a necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Medan's local government, technology is actively implemented to improve public services through digital applications and communication platforms.
"Today, we try to solve every challenge with technology," he stated before hundreds of participants.
Youth, AI, and the Future Workforce
Read Also: Medan Speeds Up BRT Mebidang Project Under Mayor Rico Waas Rico Waas also highlighted the shifting aspirations of the younger generation, many of whom now pursue careers as programmers, e-sports athletes, or startup founders. Artificial intelligence (AI) has also become an integral part of their daily lives.
He stressed the importance of adapting to AI-driven technology while ensuring its use remains aligned with national values, culture, and religion.
Medan, he added, has strong potential to produce world-class digital talent. The competition should serve as a foundation for building a confident generation ready for global competition.
"The future is not to be waited for, but to be created by ourselves," he said.
Read Also: Medan Strengthens Data-Driven Governance, Deepens Cooperation with BPS Thousands Showcase Digital InnovationThe Medan Coding Competition 2026 was a collaboration between the Medan City Government through BRIDA, IWAPI Medan, and Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara. A total of 632 participants from various educational levels joined the competition.
Categories included elementary, junior high, senior high, and university levels, covering coding, robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), mobile applications, and e-sports.
The high participation rate was seen by the mayor as a strong signal of Indonesia's digital future readiness.
Read Also: Rico Waas Commends Garuda Indonesia Support for APEKSI 2026 Success "Coding was once unfamiliar to many children. Today, they are ready," he added.
Academic Collaboration and International Outlook
Prof. Dr. H. Agussani stated that leadership transition at
UMSU has been completed, with Prof. Dr. Akrim now serving as rector while he continues as chairman of the Board of Trustees. He also announced a planned international collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Perlis in the digital sector.
This cooperation aligns with Medan's vision of becoming a digitally driven city.
Read Also: Medan TP PKK Promotes Exclusive Breastfeeding to Prevent Stunting Winners of Medan Coding Competition 2026The event concluded with the announcement of winners across several categories:
Unplugged Coding (Primary Grades 1–3): Team 16 (SDS Sultan Iskandar Muda)Robot Line Follower (Senior High/Vocational): Winner Team (SMA Negeri 2 Medan)Scratch Coding (Primary Grades 4–6): K-13 (SDS St. Antonius V Medan)Scratch (Junior High): K-82 (SMP Negeri 10 Medan)IoT (University Level): Synapse Tech (Universitas Methodist Indonesia)Mobile Apps: Suara Medan Team (UMSU)E-Sports (Senior High/Vocational): Pelajar Team (WR Supratman 2)The event ended with enthusiastic applause from participants and guests.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Teguh Panjaitan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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