Head of DKI's Food Security, Maritime, and Agriculture Agency Admits Difficulty in Eradicating Janitor Fish One by One

The Head of the DKI Jakarta Food Security, Maritime, and Agriculture Agency (KPKP), Hasudungan, has assured that his office is still seeking the most effective method to eradicate janitor fish in Jakarta after being highlighted by the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI). Hasudungan admitted that his team faces difficulties if they have to kill the janitor fish one by one. “We are coordinating with academics and practitioners, searching for literature on the most effective method that does not cause pros and cons in society,” said Hasudungan when contacted on Monday (20/4/2026). He did not specify the most effective method. However, he acknowledged the difficulty in killing the janitor fish one by one. “Given the very large numbers, it is certainly difficult for officers to kill them one by one,” he stated. Nevertheless, he assured that his team is seeking the best method. He admitted it would take time. “I am also trying to find literature, but it requires preparation as well,” he added. MUI Spotlight Previously, the Secretary of the MUI Fatwa Commission, Miftahul Huda, stated that there are principles of rahmatan lil ’alamin and animal welfare or kesrawan (animal welfare). He explained from a sharia perspective that killing animals is permissible if it brings benefits. However, live burial involves elements of torture. “That method is considered to cause unnecessary suffering,” said Miftah, quoted from the MUI Digital website, Sunday (19/4). Miftah also touched on the issue from the perspective of animal welfare ethics. Live burial is considered inhumane and does not minimise suffering. However, he stated that the Jakarta Provincial Government’s policy to control janitor fish is good because it protects the environment. Since the janitor fish itself can damage the ecosystem. “That aligns with maqāṣid syariah, which falls into the category of modern ecological ḍharūriyyāt,” he said.