Ciliwung to become ecotourism site

JAKARTA: As part of the Clean River national movement, the City Environmental Agency is due to launch a high-profile program, Ciliwung Ecotourism 2003, on Saturday, aiming at restoring the water quality and the environment of the river basin.

Head of the agency Kosasih Wirahadikusumah said on Friday that although most parts of the river -- the longest of 13 rivers that flow through the city -- were severely polluted with house waste, some sections were still suitable for ecotourism.

"The program will increase people's awareness of river conservation as well as create another use for the river that might benefit them financially," he told The Jakarta Post.

The program is being held in cooperation with private companies, universities, non-governmental organizations and residents.-JP