Pramono Orders Removal of Sailfin Catfish from Jakarta's Rivers on Friday Morning

The Jakarta Provincial Government (Pemprov DKI Jakarta) will conduct a simultaneous cleanup of rivers and waterways across the five administrative cities of Jakarta on Friday (18/4/2026). Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung stated that the activity will also target the removal of sailfin catfish, which are considered environmentally damaging. “Sailfin catfish, tomorrow on Friday morning, simultaneously across all five cities in Jakarta, will hold an event to clean up the sailfin catfish,” said Pramono at Jakarta City Hall in Central Jakarta on Wednesday (15/4/2026). “Why must these fish be cleaned up? Because they are indeed destructive. And from lab results, almost all the fish tested in the laboratory have levels exceeding the limit of 0.3 milligrams. They are above that, so they would be very dangerous if consumed,” he added. Sailfin catfish can also damage embankments by creating holes to hide in. Additionally, these fish eat local fish and their eggs, thus disrupting the balance in the rivers. Pramono further noted that sailfin catfish can survive in dirty water. Originating from South America, they have become a problem in their home country as well. “Indeed, these fish can live in all kinds of weather, including in very unhealthy water conditions. And they originate from South America, where they have already become an issue and are being eradicated,” Pramono explained.