PDAM Tirta Asasta Depok Cleans Ciliwung River Basin to Maintain Raw Water Quality

The Regional Drinking Water Company (PDAM) Tirta Asasta of Depok City, West Java, has demonstrated real commitment to preserving raw water sources. In collaboration with riverbank communities, the regionally owned enterprise (BUMD) successfully removed more than 10 tonnes of rubbish from the Ciliwung River Basin (DAS) on Tuesday (31/3). The rubbish lifted from the river flow was dominated by plastic waste, household waste, tree branches, and industrial waste. This action is part of disaster mitigation efforts as well as maintaining water quality for Depok City residents. The Director of PDAM Tirta Asasta Depok City, Olik Abdul Holik, stated that this river tracing activity is an annual routine agenda to commemorate World Water Day, which falls on 22 March. “Commemorating World Water Day on 22 March 2026, PDAM Tirta Asasta Depok cleaned rubbish in the Ciliwung River. More than 10 tonnes of rubbish and wild plants were stuck on the banks of the Ciliwung River,” he said. Olik explained that the Ciliwung River plays a vital role as it is the main raw water source for PDAM Tirta Asasta. Therefore, the river’s preservation directly affects the continuity of clean water supply to customers. PDAM Tirta Asasta consistently carries out routine cleanings around the company’s infrastructure buildings. This step aligns with this year’s World Water Day theme, which emphasises the active role of all parties in maintaining water resources. “In line with this year’s World Water Day theme, we are urged to play an active role in preserving and sustaining water resources,” Olik stated. He added that environmentally friendly principles have become an integral part of the company’s business operations, from raw water intake to clean water production. “Environmentally friendly principles are also applied in the clean water production process,” Olik said. On that occasion, Olik urged the public to stop using the river as a rubbish disposal site. According to him, piles of solid waste not only pollute the water but also damage the Water Treatment Installation (IPA) infrastructure and cause river silting. “Piles of household solid waste hinder water distribution and pose a risk of flooding disasters and diseases,” Olik revealed. Blockages in the river flow due to rubbish are certain to disrupt PDAM’s IPA operations. If left unchecked, this will have a negative impact on public health and trigger economic losses due to disasters. “River pollution can reduce water quality, cause unpleasant odours, become a source of disease, and pose disaster potential due to rubbish blocking the river flow and triggering floods, especially during the rainy season,” he concluded.