The operation to catch janitor fish should be positioned as part of a\nlarger strategy. It is important as a control measure. However, it is\nnot the main solution.<\/p>\n
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Governor of DKI Jakarta, Pramono Anung\u2019s\ninstruction to conduct a comprehensive operation to catch janitor fish\nin the capital sounds simple, even reasonable, as a quick response to\nthe visible ecological threat.<\/p>\n
On one hand, the step feels concrete and easy to understand. There is\nvisible activity, results that can be quantified, and a work narrative\nthat can be conveyed to the public. However, on the other hand, a more\nfundamental question arises: does this policy truly touch the root of\nthe actual problem?<\/p>\n
Janitor fish are not a new phenomenon in Jakarta. They have long been\npermanent residents in rivers with declining water quality. Their\npresence is even almost predictable: where the water is polluted, that\u2019s\nwhere they thrive. This makes the janitor fish more than just an\ninvasive species, but part of a recurring ecological pattern.<\/p>\n
From an ecological perspective, species like the janitor fish are\ncalled biological indicators. Their presence signals an unhealthy\nenvironmental condition. This means their existence is not the main\ncause, but rather a consequence of deeper damage. Removing them without\nimproving the river conditions will only repeat the same cycle.<\/p>\n
Therefore, the janitor fish catching operation has dual significance.\nOn one hand, it is a necessary short-term control measure. On the other\nhand, this policy has the potential to distract from much more\nfundamental problems.<\/p>\n
Technically, the janitor fish catching operation can be justified.\nHowever, symbolically, it resembles an effort to cover up the problem\nwithout truly solving it.<\/p>\n
Rivers do not become clean just because janitor fish decrease. The\nriver water can still carry domestic waste, detergents, and household\nactivity residues. In many cases, this pollution load continues to\nincrease over time. The fish are merely the visible part of a much\nbroader problem.<\/p>\n
Data from various environmental studies show that river pollution in\nurban areas in Indonesia is dominated by domestic waste. The percentage\ncan reach more than half of the total pollutant load. This is not a\nminor issue that can be ignored. It is a structural problem that shapes\nthe overall condition of the rivers.<\/p>\n
When this structure is not addressed, every intervention becomes\npartial. It works at one point but does not change the larger system.\nThe result is predictable: the problem returns in the same form. In\nfact, in some cases, the condition can become worse.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/janitor-fish-amid-jakartas-structural-river-pollution-problem-1776243051", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }