Tangguh Awards 2012: Sungai Citarum

Summary

This video highlights the severe pollution of the Citarum River, once a vital source of water for millions in West Java and Jakarta. Hidayat, a local resident, reflects on how the river has transformed from a clean water source and fishing hub into a dumping ground for industrial waste, severely impacting the environment and public health. Despite decades of pollution and numerous protests, efforts to clean the river have been insufficient, with factories continuing to dump harmful chemicals, causing widespread skin diseases and environmental degradation. The river, now one of the most polluted in the world, is a poignant symbol of unchecked industrial impact.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Citarum River was once a vital water source for the people of West Java, including for agriculture and industry, but its condition has drastically worsened over time.
• 😀 Hidayat, who used to fish in the river, now collects plastic waste to sell, highlighting the severe environmental degradation of the area.
• 😀 The river's pollution has significantly impacted local communities, with many relying on the contaminated water for daily needs, resulting in health problems like skin diseases.
• 😀 The Citarum River, which once supported 25 million people in West Java and Jakarta, is now known as the dirtiest and most toxic river in the world.
• 😀 Industrial pollution, particularly from textile factories, continues to be a major contributor to the river's contamination, with harmful chemicals being dumped directly into the water.
• 😀 The river's pollution has led to the destruction of aquatic life and a decrease in resources like fish, which were once abundant in the river.
• 😀 Local residents have repeatedly protested the pollution, but authorities have not taken swift action to address the issue or regulate industrial waste disposal.
• 😀 In addition to industrial waste, agricultural runoff, livestock waste, and plastic pollution further exacerbate the river's contamination, making the water unfit for consumption.
• 😀 Scientific tests of river water and industrial waste have confirmed the presence of hazardous chemicals, far exceeding safe levels as per government standards.
• 😀 The Citarum River, once a symbol of life and sustenance for the region, has now become a source of harm, severely affecting the health and livelihoods of nearby residents.

Q & A

What has caused Hidayat's change in occupation over the years?

Hidayat, once a fisherman in the Citarum River, now collects plastic waste to sell due to the severe pollution of the river, which has impacted local fish populations and livelihoods.

What was the original purpose of the Citarum River for the local communities?

The Citarum River was a source of clean water and a key resource for fishing, agriculture, and industry, benefiting millions of people in West Java and Jakarta.

How has industrial waste affected the Citarum River?

Industrial waste, particularly from textile factories, has severely polluted the Citarum River. Toxic chemicals, dyes, and other waste are regularly dumped into the river, making the water unfit for consumption and harming the local ecosystem.

What is the significance of the Citarum River to the region?

The Citarum River is a vital water source, supplying clean water to over 25 million people, supporting agriculture, and providing water for industries in Bandung, Bekasi, Karawang, and Jakarta.

Why is the Citarum River considered one of the most polluted rivers in the world?

The Citarum River has earned the distinction of being one of the most polluted and toxic rivers globally due to the continuous discharge of harmful industrial waste, household waste, and agricultural runoff into the river over several decades.

What health problems have local residents faced due to the pollution?

Residents, particularly in areas like Kampung Ciwalengke, have suffered from skin diseases like rashes and itching due to the polluted water of the Citarum River. The water has also been found to contain harmful bacteria.

What is the primary reason for the river's ongoing pollution despite public protests?

Despite public protests, factories continue to dump industrial waste into the river, often via underground drains, because there is insufficient enforcement of regulations and a lack of proper waste treatment facilities.

What is the environmental impact of the pollution on the Citarum River?

The pollution has led to a decrease in oxygen levels in the water, harmful chemical concentrations, sedimentation, erosion, and the loss of aquatic life, making the river unsuitable for both human use and supporting biodiversity.

What measures have been taken by the government to address the pollution in the Citarum River?

The government has recognized the severity of the pollution, but actions have been slow and ineffective. There have been calls for faster and more substantial cleanup efforts, but local communities and environmental activists continue to face challenges in prompting rapid government action.

What did the laboratory tests reveal about the pollution in the Citarum River?

Laboratory tests of water samples from the Citarum River confirmed that the water contains dangerous levels of chemicals. For example, the chemical oxygen demand (COD) was found to be up to 100 times the allowed limit, indicating severe contamination by industrial waste.