In Cilincing, Polluted Waters Become Children's Playground

JAKARTA — As the intense midday heat begins to ease, nine children are seen descending the WIKA embankment towards the shoreline in the Kalibaru area of Cilincing, North Jakarta.

Nimbly, they make their way along the uneven embankment covered with discarded bamboo and scattered rubbish. The waste is diverse, ranging from food and drink packaging, worn cloth, wooden pieces, to broken furniture.

Upon reaching the water’s edge, they immediately remove their clothing and swim together cheerfully. Smiles light up their faces, despite having to swim amidst rubbish that adorns the Kalibaru waters almost every day.

Whenever murky brown waves arrive, some children appear to enjoy drifting with the current towards the shore. Others attempt to resist the waves by jumping or kicking them. The murky sea mixed with rubbish does not deter them from diving.

Beyond the surface waste, the seafloor of Kalibaru also conceals various sharp objects such as broken glass, nails, and seashell fragments. These items are often hidden beneath the sand and risk injuring the feet of swimming children.

Rafa, an eight-year-old child encountered at the site, admitted he has suffered several injuries but remains undeterred from playing in the sea. “I have been injured before from seashell fragments, but it doesn’t stop me from swimming in the sea because it’s fun,” said Rafa when interviewed on Friday (27 March 2026).

Another child, Aris (11), has had similar experiences. “I’ve had itching and bleeding from stepping on coral, broken glass, and nails. My friends have too,” said Aris during an interview at the location on Friday.

Aris said he was once forbidden by his parents from swimming in the sea for safety reasons. However, because many of his peers continue to swim, he chose to join them despite the risk of parental reprimand.