Handling of janitor fish in South Jakarta follows MUI recommendations

The South Jakarta Administration states that the process of handling janitor fish is carried out in accordance with recommendations from the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) regarding burial procedures. “To avoid any confusion in the future, we are implementing this process according to MUI’s advice. Today it has gone well,” said the Mayor of South Jakarta, Muhammad Anwar, in Jakarta on Tuesday. Anwar explained that a joint team of officials resumed capturing janitor fish at the Setu Babakan Water Gate in Jagakarsa, South Jakarta. His side ensured that before the fish were buried, all were confirmed to be dead. “In this activity, we aim to capture five tonnes of janitor fish. Last Friday, officials managed to collect around 5.3 tonnes of janitor fish,” he said. According to him, this step is a follow-up to the instructions of the Governor of DKI Jakarta, Pramono Anung, in maintaining environmental and water quality. The presence of janitor fish is considered to have a significant impact on the aquatic ecosystem, particularly on the population of local fish commonly consumed by the public. He added that the capture activities will be carried out intensively twice a week, focusing on upstream areas. This measure is expected to suppress the janitor fish population down to the downstream areas. “Through this activity, it is hoped that the environmental and water quality will improve further so that the community can live healthier and more prosperous lives,” he stated. Meanwhile, one of the local residents, Yanuar Hadi (47), appreciated the efforts of the South Jakarta City Government in intensifying the handling of janitor fish. “We support this activity because controlling janitor fish is better than having to sacrifice local fish,” said Yanuar. The control of janitor fish is being carried out simultaneously in several areas involving around 60 personnel from the South Jakarta City Government, TNI, and community elements.