Depok's Situ Rawa Besar Choked by Waste and Rubbish, Visitor Numbers Plummet

The condition of several lakes in Depok, West Java, is increasingly concerning. Based on observations at the location on Friday afternoon (5/6/2026), Situ Rawa Besar on Jalan Kembang, Kampung Lio, Depok Jaya, Pancoran Mas District, appeared besieged by liquid waste and piles of household rubbish. The pollution has turned the lake water murky black and produced an unpleasant odour. Plastic waste, styrofoam, and water hyacinth were seen blanketing the water surface, causing serious siltation and damage to the aquatic ecosystem. Dharma, a local resident, revealed that this condition has persisted for several weeks without any clean-up action from the local government. According to him, the majority of the rubbish is carried from streams that flow into the lake. ‘The rubbish in Situ Rawa Besar pollutes the water and damages its ecological function and the surrounding tourist facilities. We residents are very worried about groundwater quality because of the seepage from this waste,’ said Dharma. Situ Rawa Besar was once a premier destination in Depok. Ina, a visitor, recalled a time when the lake was a favourite among residents, especially after a grant of tourist boats from Ridwan Kamil. ‘This used to be a favourite tourist spot, there were boats granted by Mr Ridwan Kamil. But now the boats are not operational. As a result, visitor numbers have fallen drastically and food vendors here complain of a lack of customers,’ Ina stated. She lamented that the lake, located in the city centre near the Depok Mayor’s Office, is being neglected. Residents hope the Depok City Government will take emergency steps to revitalise the lake so that its aesthetic, economic, and ecological functions can be restored.