River in Banyuwangi Choked with Garbage Contaminated by Industrial Waste

Currently, cleanup efforts have resumed with the involvement of volunteers and various parties.

In the latest operation, Sungai Watch recorded that 7,543 kilograms of trash were removed from the site.

However, that amount is estimated to be only about 25 percent of the total pile of garbage still remaining in the river flow.

Suhardiyanto said this problem requires upstream management as well as household waste handling to prevent the piles from growing.

"There’s still a lot. We managed to haul 7,543 kilos previously," he said.

Regarding the waste, Suhardiyanto stated that local government needs to take a role in regulating waste management in the area.

He suggested that any waste discharged into the environment should first go through a Wastewater Treatment Plant (IPAL) and adequate filtration systems.

"Ideally, factory waste must go through an IPAL. They need filters. If they want to dispose of waste, it should be through the IPAL so that the released water is clean and safe," Suhardiyanto said.

He also believes the government should encourage residents to improve household waste management and reduce plastic use.

"The government itself should also be involved in enforcing proper waste management," he emphasized.