"We should not point our fingers at Bogor as the source of floods in Jakarta. We have to work hand in hand to clean up Ciliwung," Uno emphasized.
Bogor, West Java (ANTARA News) - The governments of Bogor City and Jakarta have made a joint commitment to making the Ciliwung River waste-free by 2020 through the involvement of citizens in the surrounding areas.

Elected Vice Governor of Jakarta Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno and Bogor Mayor Bima Arya Sugiarto voiced their commitment while dispatching 283 volunteers for the 9th Clean Up Ciliwung program here, Saturday.

"We should not point our fingers at Bogor as the source of floods in Jakarta. We have to work hand in hand to clean up Ciliwung," Uno emphasized.

Uno, who will be installed as the new vice governor of Jakarta in October, praised the campaign conducted regularly by the Bogor city government and Care for Ciliwung Community (KPC).

He said the results of the volunteers hard work in Bogor will be enjoyed by Jakartans who will be able to witness a clean Ciliwung river.

"We have to work jointly to solve river-related problems. At least 13 rivers pass through Jakarta, and it has become our task to maintain and protect Ciliwung, from upstream to downstream," Uno said.

He disclosed that during the election campaign, he had pay a visit to the four rivers in Jakarta and found the same issues of accumulated garbage.

"It would need cooperation and volunteer work. I am certain that Ciliwung could be free from waste by 2020," he added.

Meanwhile, Bogor Mayor Sugiarto said the benefits of such collaboration could be enjoyed by the residents of both Bogor and Jakarta.

"Nothing is impossible if we could work together to make Ciliwung waste-free by 2020," Sugiarto remarked.

Chief of KPC Bogor Een Irawan Putra highlighted the importance of the local governments commitment in managing the river basin.

"Despite the support, we have yet to witness a strong commitment in river management. We need a policy and program as well as budget," Putra added.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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