This initiative focuses on four rivers in Java and two in Bali.
"The Ciliwung River poses a particularly significant challenge, contributing a substantial portion – an estimated 20 to 30 percent – of the plastic waste entering our oceans," Environment Minister Hanif Faisol emphasized during a waste cleanup activity at Kedonganan Beach in Bali on Sunday.
Beyond the Ciliwung, the government is actively addressing plastic pollution emanating from other major rivers, including the Citarum, Bengawan Solo, and Brantas.
In Bali, the government has prioritized efforts to mitigate plastic pollution in the Badung and Mati rivers, which, despite their relatively short lengths of approximately 20 kilometers and 22 kilometers respectively, significantly impact the surrounding marine environment.
To effectively intercept plastic waste before it reaches the ocean, the government has implemented a strategic approach involving the deployment of giant nets across these critical waterways.
This collaborative endeavor is supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and bolstered by international partners, including Norway and the United Arab Emirates.
The UAE government has generously provided state-of-the-art trash net booms, which will be strategically installed at 14 key locations along rivers in Bali.
"I have directed that the installation of these crucial trash nets in the Badung and Mati rivers be completed by the end of this year to decisively prevent further plastic pollution from entering our oceans," Minister Nurofiq declared.
Data from the National Coordination Team for Marine Debris Management (TKNPSL) underscores the urgency of this initiative, revealing that a staggering 359,061 tons of plastic waste entered the ocean in 2023.
The Indonesian government has established an ambitious target of reducing plastic waste entering the ocean by a significant 70 percent by 2025, as outlined in the comprehensive National Action Plan for Marine Debris Management (RAN PSL).
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Translator: Dewa Ketut Sudiarta Wiguna, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
