East Jakarta City Government Preserves Ecosystem Through Operation to Catch Sailfin Catfish

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The East Jakarta City Government (Pemkot Jaktim) conducted a simultaneous operation to capture sailfin catfish in 10 districts as a concrete step to maintain river ecosystem balance while protecting public health. “This sailfin catfish capture operation is part of an integrated movement at the DKI Jakarta Province level in response to the increasing population of sailfin catfish, which has now become a public concern,” said East Jakarta Mayor Munjirin at the Ciliwung Eco Eduwisata Dock, Cililitan, Kramat Jati, East Jakarta, on Friday. The activity was centred at the Ciliwung Eco Eduwisata Dock in Cililitan Ward, Kramat Jati District, and carried out in a hybrid manner at several other water points. According to Munjirin, the surge in sailfin catfish population in river flows cannot be taken lightly, as it not only has the potential to damage natural aquatic habitats but is also considered dangerous if consumed by the public. “The presence of sailfin catfish not only disrupts the river ecosystem balance but can also pose health risks due to bacteria and heavy metals in their bodies,” Munjirin explained. Furthermore, he stated that the capture operation is one of the strategic efforts to control the population of this invasive fish. With measured control, it is hoped that the water environment quality in East Jakarta will remain maintained and the lives of the community will be healthier. Meanwhile, in Matraman District, the activity took place at the Gunung Antang Water Gate, RW 9, Palmeriam Ward. In Duren Sawit District, it was centred at Kali Buaran II, while in Cakung District, the capture occurred in the Rokem Housing area, Tambun Rengas. Then, in Jatinegara District, the operation was held at the BC Water Pump House of the Water Resources Sub-District Office, Bidara Cina Ward. Subsequently, in Cipayung District, the operation took place at Waduk Cilangkap 2 Agrowisata, RW 1, Cilangkap Ward. Next, in Pasar Rebo District, the activity was centred at the Setu Pedongkelan Irrigation, Pekayon Ward. Then, in Ciracas District, the activity was carried out at Kali Cipinang, RT 4 RW 3, Rambutan Ward, while in Pulo Gadung District, the capture operation was centred at Kali Pasadenia, Jalan Pacuan Kuda, Kayu Putih Ward. In addition, in Makasar District, the sailfin catfish capture operation was conducted at Kali Sunter Sipon Kalimalang, specifically at Jalan Pintu Air, Cipinang Melayu Ward. Munjirin also appreciated all parties who have collaborated in successfully carrying out the activity. He emphasised the importance of synergy between local government, regional apparatus, and the community in preserving the environment. “We express our thanks to the Food Security, Maritime, and Agriculture Agency (KPKP), the ranks of SKPD (Regional Work Units), the district heads and ward heads, as well as the community who have actively participated in this activity,” Munjirin said. He assessed that the involvement of various parties is a key factor in ensuring the success of the sailfin catfish control programme, which is not limited to capture activities but also serves as environmental education for the community. He hopes this activity becomes a momentum to increase collective awareness of the importance of preserving water resources. “Through this activity, we want to foster joint awareness that rivers must be kept clean and preserved. That way, rivers can continue to provide benefits for community life,” Munjirin stated. According to him, clean and healthy rivers not only support environmental quality but also directly impact the overall quality of life for Jakarta residents. The East Jakarta City Government is committed to continuing the sailfin catfish control programme on a sustainable basis. Evaluation and monitoring will be carried out periodically to ensure the programme’s effectiveness in the long term. On the other hand, the capture activity is also part of efforts to support the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government’s major programme in realising a clean, healthy, and sustainable city. Controlling invasive species, such as sailfin catfish, said Munjirin, is an important step in maintaining urban ecosystem balance. With this simultaneous operation, it is hoped that the sailfin catfish population in East Jakarta waters can be significantly reduced. In addition, the activity is expected to strengthen collaboration between government and the community in preserving the environment. “May this activity bring great benefits to the environment and the people of East Jakarta, and serve as a concrete step in maintaining the sustainability of our river ecosystem,” Munjirin expressed.