PRIME NEWS POST 

THE INDONESIAN,(MEDAN) — Johan Merdeka, Chairman of Walet Reaksi Cepat (WRC / Rapid Response Watch) North Sumatra, has raised concerns over the performance of the Medan City Government approximately one-and-a-half years into the current administration.

According to Johan, two major issues plaguing residents — flooding and severe traffic congestion — remain unresolved and persist to this day.

The statement was released via a press statement and widely circulated social media posters on Wednesday, 10 September 2026.

“One-and-a-half years since the Medan Mayor took office, floods continue to strike and traffic gridlock remains a constant public complaint. The City Government must immediately deliver concrete measures and long-term solutions,” Johan stated.

Posters distributed by WRC North Sumatra featured photographs of flooded road sections and dense traffic across the city — serving as a public record and assessment of Mayor Rico Waas’s administration.

Beyond the Mayor, Johan also questioned the performance of the Head of the Medan Public Works Department (PUPR), which oversees drainage and road infrastructure. He cited poor-quality drainage works across multiple locations as a direct contributing factor to recurring floods.

“Alongside the Mayor, the PUPR Chief’s performance must also be evaluated. Drainage construction in several areas remains substandard. If drainage is inadequate, flooding will never be resolved,” he emphasized.

Johan clarified that the criticism constitutes social oversight from civil society, intended to push the government to prioritize and address fundamental public concerns.

“WRC North Sumatra urges the City Government to immediately evaluate and accelerate improvements to drainage systems, river normalization, and traffic management. Residents should not remain victims of annual floods and chronic congestion,” he said.

As of press time, the Medan City Government has not issued an official response to the criticisms raised by WRC North Sumatra.