Medan City Official Sanctioned for Mocking Resident's Streetlight Complaint

A sub-district head (Lurah) in Medan, North Sumatra, has been disciplined for mocking a resident's complaint about faulty public streetlights on social media. The official, Syerly, who heads the Paya Pasir sub-district in Medan Marelan, is facing disciplinary action for her alleged remarks that belittled a citizen's concerns. The Medan City Inspectorate has investigated Syerly for violating the code of ethics. According to Inspector Erfin Fahrurrazi, the official is strongly suspected of breaching Medan Mayor Regulation No. 58 of 2023 concerning the Enforcement of Discipline and Ethics for Civil Servants (ASN). This regulation mandates that all ASN must demonstrate integrity and serve as role models in their attitudes, behavior, speech, and actions, both within and outside their official duties. Syerly's alleged actions were deemed to have negatively impacted the image of the relevant regional apparatus. Consequently, the Inspectorate recommended disciplinary action in the form of a "light disciplinary punishment." This move is intended to reinforce the Medan city government's commitment, under Mayor Rico Tri Putra Bayu Waas, to upholding professionalism and the dignity of ASN as guardians and role models for the community. The incident occurred while Mayor Rico Waas was inspecting road repairs in the area. A resident approached the mayor to express concerns about the poor lighting and security on Jalan Paya Pasir, mentioning that they had personally funded the installation of four streetlights due to the darkness and frequent muggings. Syerly, standing beside the mayor, reportedly laughed and said, "Oh, she's complaining." The video of this exchange quickly went viral on social media, prompting widespread calls for the mayor to dismiss the sub-district head.