Pramono Supports Mass Capture of Sailfin Catfish, Here is the Reason

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung supports the recent surge in capturing sailfin catfish in several river flows in the capital. He assesses that the presence of this fish has the potential to disrupt ecosystem balance.

“Indeed, this fish migrates from South America, its survival ability is extraordinary, it can eat anything,” said Pramono at Lapangan Banteng, Central Jakarta, on Saturday (11/4/2026).

According to him, the invasive nature of the sailfin catfish makes it a threat to local fish. If not controlled, its population could dominate and disrupt the food chain in the waters.

“If left unchecked, other fish like wader and so on could disappear,” he stated.

In addition to impacting the ecosystem, Pramono also warned of potential risks if sailfin catfish is consumed. He mentioned that the fish could contain harmful substances due to its non-selective eating habits.

“Because it eats anything, its flesh has the potential to contain contamination from harmful substances,” he explained.

Therefore, Pramono supports efforts to capture sailfin catfish on a massive scale to suppress its population. He also appreciates the steps taken by city government officials and field personnel who have moved to carry out enforcement.

“I approve if it is done on a massive scale to reduce sailfin catfish. What was done by PPSU and the Central Jakarta Mayor yesterday, the DKI Jakarta Government gives its appreciation,” he added.

Previously, a combined team of 100 personnel from the DKI KPKP Department to Central Jakarta Gulkarmat conducted an operation to capture sailfin catfish in Kali Cideng, right in front of Plaza Indonesia, Menteng. In the operation, officers successfully captured 41 large sailfin catfish, which have long been considered to disrupt the river ecosystem.

Head of the DKI KPKP Department, Hasudungan A Sidabalok, stated that the capture was carried out to eradicate the invasive fish. Similar actions have also been carried out in Kali Ciliwung.

“Previously, we also resolved a similar problem in Kali Ciliwung,” said Hasudungan in a statement on Friday (10/4).