{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1711819,
        "msgid": "in-the-end-plecostomus-are-just-fish-1777593145",
        "date": "2026-05-01 05:39:45",
        "title": "In the end, plecostomus are just fish",
        "author": "",
        "source": "ANTARA_ID",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Social Policy",
        "summary": "The article draws on Al-Ghazali's philosophy to highlight humanity's unique capacity for rational choice and ethical responsibility towards the environment, contrasting it with the instinctive survival of species like the plecostomus fish. It examines how this invasive fish, introduced via the ornamental trade from South America, has become a scapegoat for urban waterway degradation in Indonesia, particularly around Jakarta, despite its role stemming from human actions such as irresponsible releases. This serves as a broader reminder for humans to repair their relationship with nature rather than deflect blame.",
        "content": "<p>Plecostomus fish merely adapt and survive. Meanwhile, it is humans\nwho possess the ability to choose. Whether to continue allowing damage\nto persist, or to begin repairing the relationship with nature.<\/p>\n<p>Jakarta (ANTARA) - The classical philosopher Al-Ghazali once\nformulated humans as al-insanu hayawanun nathiq, or living beings\ncapable of thinking and speaking.<\/p>\n<p>In this sense, humans are indeed still part of the biological world\nlike other creatures, but they are distinguished by reason, which gives\nthem the ability to weigh options, understand cause and effect, and take\nresponsibility for their choices.<\/p>\n<p>This concept is not merely a philosophical definition, but also an\nethical reminder. The reason possessed by humans should serve as an\ninstrument to maintain balance, not to destroy it.<\/p>\n<p>Reason gives humans the capacity not just to react, but also to\nanticipate. Not only to exploit, but also to care for.<\/p>\n<p>However, in practice, this superiority often turns into irony. When\nthe environment suffers damage, humans tend to seek others to blame,\neven if those parties lack the ability to choose. It is in this context\nthat the plecostomus fish often becomes an easy target.<\/p>\n<p>In various urban rivers, especially in densely populated areas like\nJakarta and its surroundings, the plecostomus fish is frequently\nlabelled as the culprit of ecosystem damage. Its abundant population,\nbody shape considered \u201cforeign\u201d, and ability to survive in murky water\nmake it appear as a symbol of something wrong.<\/p>\n<p>Yet, if traced further, the presence of this fish cannot be separated\nfrom the history of human interaction with nature.<\/p>\n<p>The plecostomus fish is not a native species of Indonesia. It\noriginates from South America and entered through the ornamental fish\ntrade. From the beginning, its presence was utilised by humans as an\naquarium cleaner due to its ability to consume algae.<\/p>\n<p>The problem arises when these fish are released into public waters,\nwhether accidentally, through negligence, or by deliberate decision when\nowners no longer wish to keep them. From this point, the story develops\ninto something more complex.<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/in-the-end-plecostomus-are-just-fish-1777593145",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}