In contrast, water quality in about 841 rivers declined over the same period, according to Rasio Ridho Sani, the ministry’s deputy for pollution and environmental damage control.
“We hope that the new monitoring system and data can help us take stronger action to control pollution,” Sani said during the ministry’s annual performance review.
From 1,989 monitoring sites across 20 watersheds, results showed that 2 percent of locations were heavily polluted, 13.7 percent moderately polluted, 62.5 percent lightly polluted, and 21.8 percent met national water quality standards.
The preliminary 2025 Water Quality Index (IKA) recorded a score of 71.78, falling short of the government’s target of 72.02.
Sani said the gap was largely due to uneven performance across regions, with 63 provinces missing their targets and 47 percent of districts and cities failing to meet their goals.
To improve river conditions, the ministry is involving local communities in river care programs as part of a broader push toward community-based river management.
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“Public participation is key to maintaining river cleanliness and water quality,” Sani said.
He added that two river care communities have already been formed — one for the Cipinang River and another for the Ciliwung River in Jakarta — with plans to expand to other regions.
The ministry has also launched a national “Clean River Initiative,” aimed at changing public behavior through consistent clean-up campaigns and environmental education.
The program seeks to build stronger community awareness of river pollution issues and foster habits that support cleaner waterways.
Despite the modest gains, officials said the government remains focused on reaching its 2026 water quality targets and reducing pollution through tighter enforcement and public engagement.
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Translator: Prisca Triferna Violleta, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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