When the Hunt for Cleaning Fish for Siomay is Exposed...

The arrest of five men by Satpol PP members along the banks of the Ciliwung River in Pasar Baru has exposed the practice of processing cleaning fish for consumption. What initially appeared to be routine fishing activity was actually directed towards the distribution of food materials deemed risky. Head of Satpol PP for Sawah Besar, Darwis Silitonga, stated that the five men were secured following a report from residents who suspected their activities. The five men, originating from Cikarang in Bekasi Regency, were known to catch cleaning fish in the river with low water flow. After being caught, the fish were immediately processed on site—the meat, eggs, and other parts separated systematically. They even demonstrated special skills in gutting the fish using only a spoon. “Indeed, they are very professional at gutting the fish with just a spoon,” said Darwis, when met at his office on Saturday (25/4/2026). In one day, one person could produce around 20 kilograms of fish meat. If done together, the amount could reach 100 kilograms per day. The fish were said to be sold to collectors for processing, one of which is into siomay ingredients. This enforcement action received appreciation from a member of the DKI Jakarta DPRD from the PDI Perjuangan Faction, Hardiyanto Kenneth. He assessed the step as important for protecting the public from potential health risks. “Cleaning fish is not fit for consumption, and its distribution as food must be stopped,” Kenneth stated. Therefore, he requested that supervision be tightened so that no parties exploit loopholes by selling the fish illegally.