5 MIN READ
09-03-2025
Bajulan River Cleanup: Breaking Free from Plastic
Krisna Iza Rabindra, 4ocean Indonesia Content Correspondent
On September 3rd, the 4ocean River Team 2 set out for the Bajulan River in Banyuwangi, determined to tackle one of the area’s most persistent environmental challenges. Before beginning the cleanup, the crew surveyed the river to pinpoint areas in need of urgent attention. What they found confirmed the river’s reputation: clusters of plastic waste trapped in tree branches and bamboo stands, a stark reminder of how far pollution travels and how long it lingers.
To make the cleanup more effective, the crew split into two groups — one covering the northern stretch of the river, the other tackling the southern banks. This division allowed them to cover more ground, even as they worked through tough conditions. Moving slowly and carefully, the team pulled plastic bags, wrappers, and scraps of fabric entangled in bamboo and washed against rocks.
By the end of the day, the team’s collective effort filled 32 sacks of waste, which were hauled to a weighing station designated by Captain Biatra Mardianto. Their hard work paid off as the final tally revealed 564.2 lbs of plastic waste, 314.6 lbs of mixed waste, and 357.5 lbs of non-plastic waste. Altogether, the cleanup removed an impressive 1,236.3 lbs of trash from the Bajulan River in just a single day.
For the team, this work was about more than just removing waste.“Cleaning the river is not just about physical work, but also a symbol of hope and a shared responsibility to maintain the cleanliness of rivers and the environment,” said crew member Adi Prasetyo. “I am proud to be part of the 4ocean team because we work sincerely and with great enthusiasm to create a greener environment, free from plastic pollution, especially in waterways.”
While the day’s numbers were impressive, the impact of the Bajulan River cleanup went far beyond the sheer weight of trash collected. Each sack carried more than just plastic or fabric—it represented one less threat to the river’s fragile ecosystem. By removing debris lodged in bamboo clusters and along the rocky banks, the team restored the river’s natural flow and reduced risks to fish, crabs, and other aquatic species that depend on clean water to survive.
For the crew, the work was also deeply personal. Hours of pulling, lifting, and navigating slippery rocks reminded them that environmental protection is not an easy task, but a necessary one. As Adi Prasetyo reflected, “Cleaning the river is not just about physical work, but also a symbol of hope and a shared responsibility to maintain the cleanliness of rivers and the environment.”
The Bajulan River cleanup proved that every action—no matter how tough or tiring—contributes to a larger mission. Beyond removing over a thousand pounds of waste in one day, the effort also sent a clear message to the surrounding community: protecting rivers means protecting life, livelihoods, and the future.
