Mass Capture of Sailfin Catfish in Jakarta: Why Must They Be Destroyed?

The Jakarta Provincial Government cleaned rivers and waterways simultaneously across five administrative cities on Friday (17/4/2026). This was not merely a routine cleaning but focused on capturing sailfin catfish, whose population has become uncontrollable in the capital’s waters. Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung stated that the effort was carried out simultaneously as a step to address environmental problems in the rivers. The activity targeted various river points, from West Jakarta, North, South, Central, to East, involving various field personnel. The total catch in the operation reached tens of thousands of sailfin catfish weighing around 6.98 tons. Across all regions, South Jakarta recorded the highest figure with 5.3 tons. The capture was concentrated in the connecting channel (PHB) of Setu Babakan, Jagakarsa. As many as 576 sailfin catfish were caught from rivers in eight sub-districts in Central Jakarta. In North Jakarta, more than 200 kilograms of sailfin catfish were captured. Meanwhile, in East Jakarta, 763 kilograms of sailfin catfish were caught. The number of sailfin catfish caught in West Jakarta was 71 fish weighing 17 kilograms. All captured fish were destroyed by being euthanised and buried in the ground. The government is also considering utilising them as organic fertiliser material. Sailfin catfish are considered an invasive species that damages the river ecosystem balance.