Sapu-sapu Fish Capture Initiative in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta; Residents Receive Rp 5,000 Reward per Kg
Residents in RW 06 Janur Elok VI Blok QD9, Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta, can receive a reward of Rp 5,000 per kilogram for every sapu-sapu fish successfully caught.
RW 06 Chairman Ikhsan described the measure as a spontaneous response to the instructions from DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung, aimed at controlling the population of sapu-sapu fish, which are considered to damage the river ecosystem.
“I was just spontaneously responding to what Mr Governor instructed for the DKI Jakarta region to control this sapu-sapu fish pest pollution. This is just spontaneous with my friend who is the mentor or advisor for RW 06, namely Haji Amir,” Ikhsan said when met at the location on Friday (17/4/2026).
“As a reward or incentive to motivate, in this area we value it at Rp 5,000 per kilo, and the sapu-sapu money is specifically for RW 06 area,” he added.
Nevertheless, Ikhsan emphasised that the reward only applies to residents in the RW 06 environment.
He admitted he would be overwhelmed if the policy were applied to all of Jakarta.
The area in question is one of the locations visited by DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung during the inaugural sapu-sapu fish capture movement in five Jakarta areas.
During the inspection, Pramono directly witnessed the catching activities carried out by the Blue Squad from the Water Resources Agency (SDA) together with the Orange Squad from PPSU.
According to Pramono, sapu-sapu fish must be eradicated because they damage the river ecosystem. In addition, this fish is also dangerous if consumed.
Sapu-sapu fish can also damage embankments because they often make holes to hide. Moreover, this fish eats local fish along with their eggs, thus disrupting the river ecosystem balance.
Pramono added that sapu-sapu fish can live in dirty water. This fish originates from South America and has also become a problem in its home country.
In the future, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government will carry out routine sapu-sapu fish handling and not just ceremonial in nature.