Rawalumbu River in Bekasi Turns Blue, Suspected Industrial Waste Contamination

The flow of the Rawalumbu River on Jalan Pungut Dalam, Bojong Rawalumbu, Bekasi, has turned blue. Ari (55), a local resident, suspects that the change in water colour stems from waste being dumped into the river stream.

“I have seen people dumping waste into the river. I do not know if it was intentional or not, but this is not the first time; it has happened frequently,” Ari told reporters at the location on Monday. “As far as I know, it comes from B3 (hazardous and toxic) ink or screen-printing paint. It originates from home-based industries, specifically those involved in chemical mixing.”

Ari expressed anxiety over the river’s condition, which frequently undergoes colour changes. He fears that the waste could contaminate the environment and eventually seep into local residents’ wells. “I am afraid that in a few years, it will seep into the residents’ wells. This is clearly environmental pollution, and the effects will certainly impact the surrounding community,” he said.

He noted that similar conditions had previously been reported to the Bekasi City Government. According to him, water samples had even been taken for testing in the past. “There has been monitoring of the water levels and quality, but the issue continues to recur,” he added.

Consequently, Ari is calling on the government to take immediate action to regulate the suspected dumping of waste into the river, especially since the water flow is connected to the Kalimalang canal. “I am asking for it to be disciplined. This is environmental pollution and it impacts the citizens,” Ari stated. Another resident, Fadhillah, added, “Usually, the river here is black, not blue like it was yesterday.”