Bekasi Environmental Agency Samples Deep Blue Water in Rawalumbu River; Results Released

The Bekasi City Environmental Agency (DLH) collected water samples from the river flow in the Bojong Rawalumbu area, Rawalumbu District, Bekasi City, on Monday (18/05/2026). This action was taken following allegations of waste pollution that caused the river flow along the Rawalumbu Bridge to turn a deep blue colour.

Wulan Agustina Triwardani, Head of the Pollution and Environmental Damage Control Division at the Bekasi DLH, stated that a team had been deployed to conduct on-site inspections. Based on the examination results, the water’s acidity (pH) was recorded at 7.54, indicating neutral conditions. The water temperature was 30 degrees Celsius, with dissolved oxygen (DO) levels at 4.5 mg/L.

Furthermore, the electrical conductivity (DHL) was recorded at 644.35 µS, indicating the presence of dissolved substances in the water, while free chlorine levels were found to be 0.08 mg/L. Although several parameters remain within reasonable limits, the DLH noted that the phenomenon of the water turning blue still requires further investigation to confirm the presence or absence of hazardous waste.

“Further examinations are necessary to ensure whether there are chemical waste contents or other hazardous materials in the river flow,” said Wulan. She added that the current condition of the water appears turbid, though no sediment or pungent odours were detected.

Observations at the site showed that the river flow from Bridge 0 to Bridge 9 in Rawalumbu is no longer deep blue, as seen on Friday (15/05/2026) and Saturday (16/05/2026). The water now appears greyish-black with a fairly strong current.

Previously, a video showing the deep blue river flow in the Bojong Rawalumbu area went viral on social media after being uploaded by the @bekasiterkini Instagram account. Local resident Ari (55) suspects that the change in water colour originated from ink or screen-printing paint waste from home industries in the surrounding area.