The Irony of Marunda Coast: Sea Polluted by Waste, Locals Flock to Bathe for Therapy

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The issue of waste continues to plague Jakarta Bay, including Marunda Beach, Cilincing, North Jakarta.

Although it is a tourist area, the condition of Marunda Beach is often worrying, as it is often filled with floating waste.

“Now, the amount of waste is relatively less, but last Monday, the sea here was full of waste,” said a local resident named Mardwi (56) when interviewed by Kompas.com at the location on Wednesday (25/2/2026).

Kompas.com’s observation at the location showed that the waste in the waters of Marunda Beach varied, ranging from wood, plastic food and beverage containers, to mangrove plants washed ashore by the waves.

The Secretary-General of the Coalition of People for Fisheries Justice (KIARA), Susan Herawati, said that the pollution of Jakarta Bay with waste has been happening for more than 15 years.

“Jakarta Bay, including Cilincing Marunda, Muara Angke, faces the phenomenon or problem of waste that still ends up in the sea. This has actually been happening for more than 15 years,” said Susan when contacted by Kompas.com on Wednesday.

According to Susan, the pollution of solid and liquid waste in Jakarta Bay occurs because many people still consider the sea as a place to dispose of all kinds of waste.

Therefore, many people feel that throwing waste into rivers or the sea is not an act of pollution, because it will disappear on its own.

Even though the condition is polluted by waste, Marunda Beach is actually a favorite place for residents to do health therapy by bathing in the sea.

A local resident, Feri (47), said that almost every day there are people from various regions coming to Marunda Beach to bathe.

However, Marunda Beach will be more crowded with residents for therapy every Saturday and Sunday morning.

Even though it is polluted by waste, the seawater at Marunda Beach is believed to have medicinal properties.