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Kali Bekasi River turns black, suspected pollution triggers investigation
🇮🇩 Indonesia /Environment & Climate

Kali Bekasi River turns black, suspected pollution triggers investigation

From CNN Indonesia · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Under investigation
  • Video footage shows Kali Bekasi river in Indonesia turned black, resembling used oil, sparking an investigation into pollution.
  • The Bekasi City Environmental Agency has collected water samples and is monitoring the river to determine the cause of the discoloration.
  • Initial lab results indicate that several water quality parameters exceed environmental standards, suggesting significant contamination.

The Kali Bekasi river in Indonesia has turned a disturbing black color, resembling used motor oil, prompting an urgent investigation by the Bekasi City government. Viral videos circulating on social media have drawn public attention to the severe pollution affecting the waterway.

The Bekasi City Environmental Agency (DLH Kota Bekasi) has taken swift action, collecting water samples and conducting extensive monitoring along the river's flow. Teams have navigated the river to map the extent of the suspected contamination. Initial findings from laboratory tests reveal that key water quality parameters, including Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), and levels of dissolved Nickel, Zinc, and Copper, as well as Fecal Coliform, have surpassed safe environmental limits.

The findings indicate the presence of pollution that has the potential to degrade water quality along the river.

— Kiswatiningsih, Head of DLH Kota BekasiDescribing the results of laboratory tests on the polluted river water.

This degradation in water quality is not confined to one area. Monitoring shows the polluted water has moved downstream, affecting regions beyond the initial detection point and necessitating a coordinated, cross-agency response. The DLH Kota Bekasi has formally alerted the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, the West Java Provincial Environmental Agency, and the Bogor Regency Environmental Agency to expedite collaborative efforts.

Authorities believe the source of the pollution originates within the administrative boundaries of Bogor Regency. DLH Kota Bekasi is urging the local government there to take immediate action within its jurisdiction to address the contamination at its source. Continuous monitoring and enhanced coordination among relevant agencies are planned to manage the situation and ensure transparency with the public regarding environmental protection efforts.

Based on field investigations, the suspected pollution source is located within the administrative area of Bogor Regency.

— Kiswatiningsih, Head of DLH Kota BekasiExplaining the suspected origin of the river's contamination.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNN Indonesia in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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