Current Condition of the Ciujung River in Serang After Turning Black

The Ciujung River in Serang Regency, Banten, which previously turned black and emitted a foul odour due to suspected pollution, has now changed colour. Monitoring at the Ciujung Bridge in Kragilan on Tuesday (23/6/2026) showed the water flow appeared brown, with pieces of wood and plastic debris caught along the riverbanks. The unpleasant smell that was present when the water was black is no longer detectable. Numerous industries or factories are known to be located near the Ciujung River.

The Serang Regency Environmental Agency (DLH) has taken water samples from the Ciujung River in Kragilan. The agency also collected samples at the Kolelet Bridge in Tanjung Teja District and at the Pamarayan Bridge. “Next, we will take samples at the Jongjing Bridge, Tirtayasa,” said Bagja Saputra, Secretary of the Environmental Agency.

The Banten Provincial Environmental Agency also inspected conditions at the Jongjing Bridge, where the water was no longer black and did not smell. “The water is no longer black; we will take samples from it,” said Wawan Gunawan, Head of the Banten Environmental Agency.

Previously, on Monday (15/6), the Ciujung River in Jongjing Village, Tirtayasa District, Serang Regency, had turned black. Oil was visible on the surface of the river flow, and a foul odour was noticeable along the riverbanks. A local resident, Wiwi, stated the river water had been black for five days and expressed discomfort with the smell. “People walking by can smell it. And you can’t pump it with a diesel engine. Water like this is turbid. It can’t be used for the rice fields, Sir. The rice could die,” he said.