Serang DPRD Member Demands Investigation into Alleged Pollution Turning Ciujung River Black

Serang Regency DPRD member Ahmad Muhibbin (Ibin) has stated that pollution in the Ciujung River, Serang Regency, Banten, occurs every year. He said this condition requires serious handling from all parties.

Ibin noted that the pollution in the river becomes apparent during the dry season, when the water flow recedes compared to the rainy season.

“I was born and grew up in a village along the Ciujung River. Because of that, I and the people of North Serang have directly experienced the condition of the river, which often turns pitch black year after year,” Ibin said on Monday (22/6/2026).

He urged the Serang Regency Environmental Agency (DLH) and related agencies to immediately investigate the pollution case. He called on the authorities to thoroughly investigate companies suspected of causing the pollution in the Ciujung River and the Ciujung River Basin (DAS).

“The water is used to irrigate rice fields, fish ponds, and various economic activities of the community. Therefore, the suspected pollution that has occurred must be handled seriously and must not be allowed to drag on,” he said.

According to him, if negligence or violations are found to have been committed by a company or certain parties, firm action must be taken.

“If it meets criminal elements, law enforcement must impose criminal sanctions as a deterrent effect,” he stated.

It was previously reported that the Ciujung River is suspected of being polluted. The water in the river is now black and emits a pungent odour.

Based on observations, the water of the Ciujung River in Kampung Jongjing, Tirtayasa, Serang Regency, was black. Oil was visible on the surface of the river flow. In addition, an unpleasant smell was detected along the riverbank.

A local resident, Wiwi, said the river water had been black for five days. She felt uncomfortable with the smell coming from the Ciujung River.

Aside from being disturbed by the odour, Wiwi is worried that the polluted water will cause her rice paddies to die.

“Everyone who passes by smells it, yes. And then, if you want to use a diesel pump to draw water, you can’t. If the water is like this, murky, it can’t be used for the rice fields. The rice could die,” she said.