Kopo Residents Complain of Cibeureum River Turning into a Stinking Sewer

Residents of Kampung Bojong, Gabus Village, Kopo District, Serang Regency, Banten, have complained about the Cibeureum River, which has suddenly started emitting a pungent smell like a sewer. Until now, locals have depended on the river for their bathing, washing, and toilet (MCK) needs.

A resident, Khoir, said the usually clear water has turned brown. The river flow is also giving off an unpleasant, piercing odour. Based on video footage he provided, the river flow appears very murky and is suspected to have been mixed with waste.

‘Usually during the dry season the Cibeureum River water is clear, but now it has turned murky and smells pungent like a sewer. The difference is stark compared to before,’ Khoir said on Thursday (9/7/2026).

Khoir mentioned that his house is located near the river flow. Disturbed by the condition, he deliberately walked along the riverbank to check the source of the problem. ‘I have only traced it to a certain point nearby. The impact is likely much further downstream. Other residents have also come to see the river’s condition and document it,’ he said.

Khoir suspects there has been waste disposal activity in the upstream part of the river that triggered this pollution. ‘The source of the pollution is suspected to originate from the area around a company that has only started operating in the last few weeks. However, this certainly needs to be proven further by the authorities,’ he stated.

As a result of this pollution, the daily activities of the community have been severely disrupted. Residents are now struggling to use the river water for bathing, washing clothes, or other domestic needs because it is dirty and smelly. ‘It is a pity for the residents who still utilise the river. Many are now complaining because the water is no longer fit for use like before,’ Khoir concluded.