Deputy Environment Minister Supports Ciliwung River Greening to Control Erosion

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Deputy Minister of Environment, Diaz Hendropriyono, supports the greening of the Ciliwung River to help prevent erosion along the riverbanks and to support the development of micro-hydro power plants (PLTMH).

“We observe that the Ciliwung River is somewhat vulnerable to erosion, so it is necessary to plant Elo trees along the riverbanks to prevent this; the roots of the Elo tree can reach deep underground, making them more effective at holding erosion, after which we can also plant bamboo,” stated Deputy Minister Diaz Hendropriwono in a statement confirmed from Jakarta on Monday.

Speaking following the 2026 World Rivers Day commemoration in Depok, West Java, on Sunday (27/9), the Deputy Minister highlighted that one of the factors making the Ciliwung River vulnerable to erosion is the presence of invasive fish, particularly the suckermouth catfish (ikan sapu-sapu), which are still widely found along the river.

“One of the things impacting this erosion is the suckermouth catfish; these fish create underwater holes around the riverbanks, so we appreciate seeing many activists cleaning the Ciliwung River of these invasive species,” said Diaz.

“We also discussed the utilisation of water flow; the Ciliwung River’s flow is strong enough for white-water rafting, which means there is sufficient elevation for us to develop micro-hydro power. Perhaps the first step requires a trash boom, followed by the creation of wetlands to absorb pollutants, before we proceed with micro-hydro development,” Diaz added.

This sustainable utilisation approach is considered vital given the river’s function as a life source providing various benefits, while simultaneously encouraging increased public awareness to maintain and protect the river.