Behind the Eradication of Plecostomus Fish, There is a Bigger Problem in Jakarta's Rivers

The Jakarta Provincial Government has begun intensifying efforts to control plecostomus fish in several rivers. This step follows concerns over the impact of the invasive species on the balance of aquatic ecosystems as well as potential risks to the public. Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has expressed his support for the massive eradication of plecostomus fish throughout the Jakarta region. Pramono stated that the plecostomus fish, originating from South America, has strong body resilience and is capable of eating various types of food. This condition makes it potentially dominant in habitats and disruptive to the food chain. “I am among those who approve of conducting it on a massive scale to eliminate or reduce plecostomus fish,” Pramono said at Lapangan Banteng, Central Jakarta, on Saturday (11/4/2026). Not only that, plecostomus fish also has the potential to become a “predator” by depleting food sources for other fish, thus damaging the balance of aquatic ecosystems. Pramono emphasised that the plecostomus fish capture operation will not only be carried out in Central Jakarta but will be expanded to all regions with high populations. “I will request that it not only be in Central Jakarta, but in all regions where there are many plecostomus fish for us to conduct operations (eradication),” he said when met at the East Jakarta Mayor’s Office Complex on Sunday (12/4/2026). He acknowledged that similar efforts have actually been carried out previously. “But I think this is something beneficial and provides a positive contribution,” Pramono said. Meanwhile, the Head of the Central Jakarta Food Security, Forestry, and Agriculture Sub-Department (KPKP), Halimah, revealed that 40 plecostomus fish were successfully captured in an operation conducted on Friday (10/4/2026).