Ciliwung River Cleaning: Himagreto of IPB University Enlivens the Commemoration of Indonesian Independence

Various activities carried out by the Indonesian people to commemorate the 74th Indonesian Independence Day Anniversary. Flag ceremony, competitions, and other unique activities were attended by various groups ranging from children to parents. Likewise with the Agrometeorology Student Association (Himagreto) of IPB University. Collaborating with the Ciliwung Care Community (KPC), Himagreto students carried out the Ciliwung River cleaning activity, namely the Loving Lake and River (Prociss) Program on Saturday (17/8) morning.

This activity is one of the annual programs routinely held by Himagreto of IPB University because there is a close relationship between the aquatic ecosystem and the atmosphere studied in hydrometeorology. This year, Prociss was held to coincide with the momentum of the independence day. The activity was carried out at the banks of the Ciliwung River in Kedung Halang village, Bogor, attended by 23 participants from both communities and representatives from the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD).

“We hope that the Ciliwung River cleaning movement can be heard by the President because this river passes through two National Palaces and often becomes a frightening specter for the capital city with its flooding events. And our great hopes are directed towards the students,” said Suparno, one of the activists from KPC.

No special equipment was needed. The participants only used gloves and garbage sacks. Many unique objects were found by participants including mattresses, plastic waste, sandals, shoes, and even B3 medicine waste. Some objects that are very disturbing and dangerous to the river ecosystem were also found such as disposable diapers and animal carcasses. The gel on a disposable diaper can be mistakenly recognized as food by the fish population in the river, which makes these poor fish continue to feel hungry.

“Moreover, we may without conscious consume shellfish and fish contaminated with microplastic. River is still an important element in supporting our lives. It is a fact that many Indonesians still depend on rivers throughout the country. In the momentum of the 74th anniversary of Indonesia’s independence, let us emphasize that independence does not mean free to dispose of garbage at will, otherwise, independence means free from sanitation problems and free from lack of clean water,” said Ahmad Juang S., a Himagreto student. (**/Zul/zsp)