Fishermen Lament Impact of Cisadane River Pollution: 'Many Fish Found Intoxicated'

Chemical pollution in the Cisadane River is suspected of reducing marine life populations, including fish, prawns and mussels, in the northern waters of Tangerang Regency, Banten.

The suspected contamination is linked to chemical residue from a pesticide warehouse belonging to PT Biotek Saranatama in South Tangerang, which was previously reported to have caught fire at the beginning of last week.

A local fisherman, Edi, said large numbers of marine organisms along the coastal area had been found dead as a result of the suspected contamination.

“Many fish have been intoxicated, green mussels have died, prawns have died too,” said Edi on Monday (16 February).

According to Edi, his catch has dropped drastically because fish populations in the waters have become extremely scarce. He said he continues to go to sea to provide for his family despite returning empty-handed.

“I go to sea because I have to pay for my children’s school snacks, but the catch is empty — I get no fish at all,” he said.

Edi believes the situation has had a direct impact on the livelihoods of fishermen who depend on their daily catch.

“Before, thankfully I could still earn Rp200,000. At the very least, even on a bad day, I could still get Rp50,000. Now I get absolutely nothing,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Erni Kumalasari, Secretary of the Indonesian Coastal Women’s Union (KPPI) in Tanjung Pasir, said fishing activities among coastal communities had been suspended for several days since the middle of last week.

“Prawns and mussels in the fixed lift nets have died in large numbers, so fishermen have chosen not to go to sea,” said Erni.

She added that changes in sea water conditions were also visible, with the surface appearing oily and emitting an unusual odour.

“The information is that the chemical contamination has already reached Pari Island and Untung Jawa Island as well,” she explained.