Jakarta East City Government Captures 763 kg of Plecostomus Fish in Simultaneous Operation

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Jakarta East City Government (Pemkot Jaktim) captured 763 kilograms (kg) of plecostomus fish in a simultaneous operation conducted across 10 districts. “Up to today, the simultaneous plecostomus fish capture operation in 10 districts, at 08.45 WIB, the recap from 10 locations totals 763 kilograms or 7.63 quintals,” said Jakarta East Mayor Munjirin during the simultaneous plecostomus fish capture operation at the Ciliwung Eco Eduwisata Pier, Cililitan, Kramat Jati, Jakarta East, on Friday. This amount represents a preliminary recap from Thursday (16/4) afternoon until Friday at 08.45 WIB, reflecting the massive population of this invasive fish in Jaktim’s waterways. Among the total, one of the largest contributions came from the Ciliwung Eco Eduwisata Pier area in Cililitan, Kramat Jati District. At that location, officers lifted around 200 kg of plecostomus fish since the activity began on Thursday (16/4) afternoon. “At this location, approximately 200 kilograms. Meanwhile, from the other nine locations, we are still awaiting complete reports for an overall recap,” Munjirin stated. The operation involved at least 150 combined personnel at one point, consisting of firefighters, the Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), sub-districts, and districts. Additionally, community participation helped accelerate the capture process in the field. Furthermore, the Jakarta East City Government highlighted health aspects. Based on laboratory test results, plecostomus fish in the DKI Jakarta region are indicated to contain heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, exceeding safe threshold levels. Therefore, all captures are ensured not to be utilised but destroyed by burial. “Everything must be buried. We do not want this fish to be consumed by the public because it is dangerous to health,” Munjirin said. He also hopes the operation not only suppresses the plecostomus fish population but also increases public awareness to maintain river cleanliness and avoid utilising dangerous fish for consumption. Furthermore, the Jakarta East City Government is committed to implementing a sustainable plecostomus fish control programme. Evaluations and monitoring will be conducted periodically to ensure the programme’s effectiveness in the long term. On the other hand, the activity is part of efforts to support the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government’s major programme in realising a clean, healthy, and sustainable city. Controlling invasive species, such as plecostomus fish, is an important step in maintaining urban ecosystem balance. Through this simultaneous operation, it is hoped that the plecostomus fish population in Jakarta East’s waterways can be significantly reduced.