Republika Cleans Up Forests at Citarum River's Zero Point, Says Citarum Harum Task Force
The Commander of the Citarum Harum Task Force, Colonel Inf. Yanto Kusno Hendarto, has expressed appreciation for the execution of the ‘Republika Ground Talk & Bebersih Leuweung’ initiative at Situ Cisanti, Gunung Wayang, Bandung Regency, West Java, on Saturday (26/09/2026).
He noted that this collaboration is vital for maintaining the environmental sustainability of the Citarum River. Starting from the ‘Zero Point’ at Situ Cisanti, the river flows for 300 kilometres through various regions in West Java before reaching Muara Gembong in Bekasi and finally discharging into the Java Sea.
On this occasion, Colonel Yanto also addressed the issue of environmental pollution within the Citarum River. Throughout 2026, his team has taken action against 20 companies that intentionally discharged waste into the Citarum River Basin (DAS).
“Regarding textile factories, we have identified approximately 20 cases in 2026, and law enforcement actions have been processed through the Environmental Agency,” said Yanto.
He explained that these rogue companies discharge waste at specific times to evade detection by officers. According to the Colonel, this situation stems from a lack of awareness among business owners regarding the long-term sustainability of the Citarum River.
“It appears that due to a lack of national pride and conscience, many business actors still resort to clandestine methods, discharging waste at night, during rain, or at specific intervals, and we have discovered similar patterns several times,” he revealed.
Maintaining the sustainability of the Citarum River must begin in its upstream areas. This principle served as the foundation for the ‘ESG Now Ground Talk and Bebersih Leuweung 2026’ held by Republika at the Situ Cisanti area. The activity is part of the ESG Now Movement 2026, which encourages cross-sector collaboration to strengthen real action for the environment and sustainable development.
Under the theme “Citarum Harum: Collaborating to Build a Sustainable River Ecosystem,” the ESG Now Ground Talk served as a multi-stakeholder dialogue forum, bringing together the government, business actors, environmental communities, and academics. The discussion aimed to build a shared perspective on the condition and future of the Cтarum River Basin while strengthening the commitment to protecting the upstream area as the foundation of the river ecosystem.
“Republika wishes to invite all parties to work together to care for the upstream areas, maintain forest cleanliness, and build the awareness that protecting the river ultimately means protecting life,” said the Editor-in-Chief of Republika, Andi Muhyiddin.
The Ground Talk & Bebersih Leuweung event, which was also attended by the Governor of West Java this year, was organised through a partnership between Republika and the West Java Provincial Government, Arta Graha, Triputra Agro Persada, Danone, Bank BJB, Rumah Zakat, PLN, Eiger, Rumah Wakaf, Perhutani, Lica Indonesia, Perum Jasa Tirta II, and Waste4Change.