Indonesia ASRI: 454 People Join Community Clean-Up of Tawang Mas River

Semarang (ANTARA) — A total of 454 people from various community and government bodies carried out a collective clean-up of the Tawang Mas River in Semarang, Central Java, on Tuesday.

Semarang Mayor Agustina Wilujeng Pramestuti said the river clean-up was conducted simultaneously across 35 regencies and cities in Central Java.

She noted that the effort coincided with the launch of the Central Java ASRI Movement (Aman, Sehat, Resik dan Indah — Safe, Healthy, Clean and Beautiful), centred at Jodo Beach in Sidorejo Village, Gringsing District, Batang Regency.

Each region, including Semarang, participated in the event led by Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi via an online link, whilst simultaneously reporting on waste-related issues faced locally.

Mayor Agustina said the Semarang City Government had carried out community river clean-ups five times, involving all elements of society including residents.

After approximately three clean-ups of the Semarang River, she said, the effort moved on to the Jaten River, and this time it was the turn of the Tawang Mas River.

“We will continue here at the Tawang Mas River until this is finished, then we will likely move on to the rivers flowing through East Semarang and Pedurungan. And we will keep this going,” the Mayor said.

Meanwhile, Semarang City Environmental Agency Head Glory Nasarani said all components were involved, including Regional Apparatus Organisations, the Regional Leadership Communication Forum, NGOs, community groups and religious organisations.

During the clean-up, he said, 1.2 tonnes of waste were collected, including river sediment removed using two dump trucks for disposal.

Regarding the next targets for river clean-up operations, he said the agency was still inventorying rivers that are frequently polluted and prone to flooding.

“We have already inventoried several rivers, but we are also considering safety aspects during the clean-up. Some rivers are very deep. We are selecting rivers where follow-up action can be taken quickly and collectively,” he said.

During the event, waste-sorting bags were also distributed to attending residents to facilitate waste segregation activities in their respective neighbourhoods.