763 kg of Plecostomus Fish Seized in East Jakarta and Immediately Buried

The East Jakarta City Government netted 763 kilograms of plecostomus fish across 10 districts in its area. The seizure was carried out simultaneously at several river points in East Jakarta. “We have tallied from 10 locations a total of 763 kilograms (of plecostomus fish),” said East Jakarta Mayor Munjirin when met at the seizure site in Kramat Jati on Friday (17/6/2026). One of the operation sites was the Ciliwung Eco Eduwisata Dock in Cililitan, Kramat Jati District. At this location, officials captured around 200 kilograms of plecostomus fish. After being caught, the fish were immediately destroyed. “All the captured fish must be buried, because the plecostomus fish in Jakarta have been lab-tested and found to contain lead or mercury levels above the safe threshold,” he explained. Munjirin assured that the plecostomus fish seizures would not be a one-off but would continue. “Later, I will try to discuss with other stakeholders so that communities assisting in capturing plecostomus fish can hopefully receive some appreciation,” he said. Before the seizure began, Munjirin gave instructions to the East Jakarta Food Security, Maritime, and Agriculture Agency (KPKP), as well as district heads and village heads. He then netted plecostomus fish using a net from a rubber boat. The successfully captured fish were first killed before being placed into holes for burial.