🇮🇩 Indonesia's polluted river clean-up shows slow progress l Al Jazeera English

Summary

Indonesia's effort to clean up the Citarum River, one of the country's most polluted, faces significant challenges despite a year of government action. The river, which supplies 80% of Jakarta's water, is burdened with industrial waste, plastic pollution, and agricultural runoff. Military personnel have been deployed to help, but financial and logistical constraints have limited their effectiveness. The cleanup aims not only to improve water quality but also to prevent flooding caused by floating debris. Local residents and officials hope that the river can eventually transform from one of the dirtiest to one of the most livable in the world.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Citarum River in Indonesia is one of the most polluted rivers in the country, and a major cleanup effort is underway.
• 😀 The cleanup program has been in place for over a year, but progress has been slow due to funding shortages and limited manpower.
• 😀 Initially, 4,600 military personnel were planned to work on the cleanup, but only 400 are currently involved due to budget constraints.
• 😀 Local villagers have been helping with the cleanup, understanding the benefits it brings to their communities.
• 😀 The Citarum River is crucial for Jakarta, supplying 80% of the city’s water.
• 😀 Industrial waste, especially from textile factories, and agricultural runoff are major sources of pollution in the river.
• 😀 The water quality in the Citarum River has worsened over the past year, according to government tests.
• 😀 Floating garbage in the river regularly clogs drainage systems, causing frequent floods during the rainy season.
• 😀 Residents of the village of Chiba face regular floods, with homes and streets covered in mud and trash.
• 😀 The newly appointed governor of West Java is committed to rehabilitating the river, with a goal to transform it into a livable waterway within 5-7 years.
• 😀 Strict enforcement of anti-pollution laws will be necessary for the river’s long-term rehabilitation and success.

Q & A

What is the primary challenge faced in cleaning up the Citarum River in Indonesia?

The primary challenge is the massive pollution in the river, including untreated waste from factories, runoff from farms, and large amounts of floating garbage, all of which contribute to the contamination of the water and the clogging of drainage systems.

How has the involvement of the military affected the cleanup efforts of the Citarum River?

The military has been involved in the cleanup but has faced resource constraints. Initially, 4,600 military personnel were planned, but due to lack of funds, only 1,600 were available the first year and only 400 are involved this year.

What impact has the lack of funding had on the cleanup process?

The lack of funding has significantly slowed down the cleanup efforts, limiting the number of personnel available to work on the project and delaying the progress of cleaning the river.

How have local villagers contributed to the cleanup efforts?

The local villagers have actively supported the cleanup efforts, recognizing the benefits of the program. Their involvement has helped offset the reduced number of military personnel due to funding issues.

What is the significance of the Citarum River to Jakarta?

The Citarum River provides 80% of the water supply to Jakarta, making its health and cleanliness vital for the capital's water needs.

What are the main sources of pollution in the Citarum River?

The main sources of pollution include untreated waste from textile factories, agricultural runoff from upstream farms, and a large amount of floating garbage.

What kind of environmental damage does the pollution in the Citarum River cause?

The pollution leads to severely contaminated water, which is unsafe for consumption. It also clogs drainage systems, causes frequent flooding, and disrupts local communities, making living conditions difficult.

How does the pollution in the Citarum River affect local residents, especially during the rainy season?

During the rainy season, the river frequently overflows, leading to floods that cover streets and homes with mud and trash. This has made life challenging for local residents, who worry about their families' health and safety.

What is the goal set by the newly appointed governor of West Java for the Citarum River cleanup?

The governor aims to rehabilitate the Citarum River over the next five to seven years, transforming it from one of the dirtiest rivers in the world into a cleaner and more livable river.

What role do laws play in the success of the Citarum River cleanup?

The enforcement of laws that punish those who pollute the river is crucial for the success of the cleanup. Ensuring strict penalties for polluters will help prevent future contamination and support long-term rehabilitation efforts.