Unlike Jakarta, This is How Bekasi Plans to Eradicate the Janitor Fish

Bekasi City Government has a different approach to handling the proliferation of janitor fish in the Bekasi River. Unlike in Jakarta, which is conducting mass captures, Bekasi will only carry out eradication when the river’s water flow decreases. The Head of the Bekasi City Environmental Agency, Kiswatiningsih, stated that the handling of the invasive fish is scheduled for June 2026, coinciding with the dry season. Kiswatiningsih mentioned that the presence of janitor fish in the Bekasi area is not yet as extensive as in DKI Jakarta. However, its population is starting to increase and has the potential to disrupt the ecosystem. “It’s not yet as massive as in Jakarta, but it’s already starting to threaten. That’s why we will detail the capture plan again,” she said. Meanwhile, the Deputy Mayor of Bekasi, Abdul Harris Bobihoe, stated that the Bekasi River is one of the habitats for janitor fish. However, the fish is rarely seen due to the water depth. “The Bekasi River is a nest for janitor fish. But because the water level is quite good, it doesn’t surface,” he said. He also highlighted findings that the fish is often caught and sold in markets, which is considered dangerous if consumed. He also asked micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) not to use the fish as raw material. “Especially since it’s feared to be processed into foods like cilok, bakso, or siomay,” he said. Previously reported, the Bekasi City Government plans to conduct a river survey to map the number and distribution of janitor fish. Bekasi Mayor Tri Adhianto said this step is important as a basis for further handling. “We plan to conduct a river survey. Then we will see how large and numerous the janitor fish are in the Bekasi River,” Tri said when met at the Bekasi City Hall Plaza on Monday (20/4/2026). He emphasised that until now, the Bekasi City Government has not carried out large-scale eradication like that done by the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government.