Indonesian River Turns Red, Foamy, and Foul-Smelling Due to Suspected Industrial Waste

The Cihaur River in Bandung Barat, Indonesia, is choked with red, foamy water and a strong, foul odor, a grim sign of suspected industrial waste pollution. Residents in Kampung Pangkalan describe the contamination as a decades-long problem, with the river's condition fluctuating between red, black, and white, and occasionally emitting steam.

Didin, a local farmer, stated the pollution has plagued the area for approximately 25 years. He noted that while authorities have intervened in the past, relocating discharge points, the problem persists. The river, part of the Citarum watershed that flows into the Saguling Reservoir, is visibly affected by a large underground discharge pipe.

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The river's condition has been like this for a long time, almost 25 years. Several times officials from the Task Force visited, and the disposal location was moved. After that, it returned to this state, foamy.

The pollution has severely impacted the river's ecosystem, with Didin reporting a decline in fish populations. This degradation makes it increasingly difficult for locals to utilize the river water for their agricultural needs. While the exact source remains unconfirmed by residents, the characteristics of the waste suggest it originates from industrial dyeing activities.

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The water color has not changed since long ago, only sometimes red, black, and white. Years ago, it even emitted smoke.