Minister AHY Urges Public-Private Collaboration to Preserve Ciliwung River

Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, has called for strengthened collaboration among the public, government, and environmental communities to safeguard the Ciliwung River's health. Speaking during an inspection of the river's upstream area in Cibinong, Bogor Regency, on Friday, AHY emphasized the river's critical role as a source of life.

"Indonesia is an archipelagic nation, but also a nation of rivers, as we have so many," AHY stated. "Rivers must continue to be a source of life for the people." He stressed that honoring rivers means maintaining water quality for public use, underscoring the direct link between clean water availability and human survival. "No water, no life. Without clean water, it is difficult for us to live well, healthily, and comfortably," he added.

The Ciliwung River, stretching approximately 124 kilometers from Bogor to Jakarta, faces significant challenges including waste, silting, and environmental degradation. AHY noted that comprehensive flood management and river restoration efforts, from upstream to downstream, are essential. "When we talk about floods, we must talk about the problems from the upstream to the end," he said, pointing to the ongoing cleanup of waste in the upstream areas.

During the inspection, illegal waste disposal sites were identified, posing a risk of further environmental damage and river pollution. AHY urged for proper waste management facilities to prevent accumulation and contamination. "Waste disposal sites and final disposal sites must be in proper condition so that there is no accumulation and subsequent pollution of the environment, including rivers," he stated.

Beyond waste removal, the government plans ecosystem restoration through river normalization to combat silting and the introduction of endemic Ciliwung fish species. A "green corridor" concept is also being developed along the riverbanks, intended to serve as a conservation area and public space. A clean Ciliwung River, AHY believes, can boost local economic activities and promote eco-tourism.