1Berita – Medan Mayor Bobby Nasution has implemented a fine of Rp10 million or a 3-month prison term for anyone caught littering, especially into rivers, in the city of Medan. This regulation will come into effect on January 1, 2024.

Bobby stated that the Medan City Government is enforcing Regional Regulation Number 6 of 2015 concerning Waste Management. Article 57, paragraph 1, specifically addresses the prohibition of littering in rivers.

“Regional Regulation Number 6 of 2015 will be implemented starting January 1, 2024, coinciding with the completion of the Clean Deli River Mutual Cooperation program. Stringent penalties will be imposed on residents who litter, especially into the river,” said Bobby on Thursday (28/12).

Article 35, paragraph 1, of Regional Regulation Number 6 of 2015 contains provisions for penalties for littering violations, amounting to Rp10 million.

“Any person who violates the provisions as stipulated in Article 32 shall be punished with imprisonment for a maximum of 3 (three) months or a fine of up to Rp 10,000,000.00 (ten million rupiah),” reads the regulation.

Bobby immediately instructed all sub-district heads and neighborhood heads to enhance supervision, especially in areas that have been notorious for improper waste disposal.

Moreover, the Medan City Government had previously conducted public awareness campaigns, urging residents not to litter, especially into rivers, in anticipation of the enforcement of Regional Regulation Number 6 of 2015 from January 2024.

“To those in the regions, I urge you to continue monitoring. If there are violations, take immediate action. I request more massive efforts to maintain the cleanliness of the Deli River, especially since we have also disseminated Regional Regulation Number 6 of 2015 to the public,” he explained.

Bobby hopes that the Clean Deli River movement does not stop here. The Medan City Government will continue to encourage the Sumatra River Basin Agency (BWSS) II to follow up on the work on the Deli River, such as physical improvements, to ensure that the efforts are not in vain.

“Thank you to all personnel of the Clean Deli River Mutual Cooperation, especially the Indonesian Army (TNI AD), which has supported us since the planning of this activity. Moreover, the opening was attended by the Chief of Staff of the Army (Kasad),” he expressed.