West Java Environmental Agency Investigates Black River Pollution in Ciwidey

The West Java Environmental Agency (DLH) has deployed a team from the Environmental Protection and Management Supervisory Unit (PPLH) to investigate suspected waste dumping in a river stream in the Leuwikuray area, Ciwidey, Bandung Regency. This step was taken following reports from residents regarding the condition of the river water, which suddenly turned pitch black.

Head of the West Java Environmental Agency, Ai Saadiyah Dwidaningsih, confirmed that officers were already on the ground combing the riverbanks. This effort is being carried out to identify the main source of the pollution that has alarmed the local community. ‘The team has been deployed to the location (of the pollution),’ said Ai Saadiyah when contacted on Sunday (19/7/2026).

In addition to conducting a physical sweep, the West Java Environmental Agency has also taken water samples for laboratory testing. This clinical test is necessary to determine the type of pollutant substances contained in the river flow. ‘It is still being processed, but we have certainly assigned the West Java DLH PPLH team to investigate this finding,’ she added.

The case came to light after residents recorded the phenomenon of the blackened river water and uploaded it to social media, where it went viral. According to residents, the river’s condition the previous day was still normal and clear, but it changed drastically within a short period of time.

Responding to the widely circulated reports, West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi gave firm instructions to the relevant agencies to conduct a swift investigation. The Governor urged his staff to immediately find the exact cause of the pollution so that any illegal waste disposal activities, if proven, can be stopped immediately. As of the time this report was filed, the PPLH team is still awaiting the results of the laboratory tests on the Leuwikuray river water samples to determine the next steps for law enforcement.