5 MIN READ
12-03-2025
Benchmark Supports 4ocean Java’s Cleanup Effort at Sumber Asri Canal
Dika, 4ocean Jembrana Content Correspondent
The 4ocean Java Riverboom Team returned to the Sumber Asri Canal today to clean the newly installed net system. The nets had been placed only a day earlier in a strategic section of the waterway where household waste and single use plastics often accumulate, restricting the flow of water toward nearby rice fields. Even with the sky already heavy and grey, the crew moved quickly to address the debris that had begun to collect behind the nets. This cleanup was supported by Benchmark Resorts & Hotels, whose partnership strengthens our ability to protect freshwater systems across Java and respond rapidly when waste begins to build.
Upon arriving at the site, the team immediately put on gloves, waders, and protective gear, then started the collection process. In a focused stretch of work, they filled several sacks with debris and sorted each item by category before bringing the materials to the weighing area. Once documented, all sacks were loaded onto the truck and transported back to the 4ocean Java base for further processing and proper disposal. Even with the relatively small volume, the team noted how quickly the newly installed nets were already intercepting waste that would otherwise continue downstream.
Today’s haul included straws, plastic bags, bottles, packaging, foam, sandals, cans, and organic waste. In total, the team collected 3 sacks of material weighing 189.5 lbs. The amount may have been modest compared to flood driven events, but the impact was clear. Without intervention, this waste would have formed a blockage that could disrupt the canal’s flow and affect irrigation for surrounding farmland, a problem local farmers are all too familiar with during the rainy season.
From the field, Dwi Agung Nurlaili shared that being part of the 4ocean Java Team is more than completing a daily task. For him, it is a chance to learn, to grow, and to contribute meaningfully to the protection of local waterways. He emphasized that environmental care is a shared responsibility and that every effort, no matter the scale, helps reduce pollution and long term ecosystem damage.
The cleanup came with a notable challenge. Much of the plastic waste had mixed with livestock manure, making the collection process more unpleasant and requiring extra caution. Despite this, the team remained steady and committed, ensuring every trapped item was removed from the canal.
Beyond clearing the nets, the team also spoke with local community members about the importance of keeping rivers and canals free of waste. Improper disposal contributes to flooding, harms aquatic ecosystems, and carries risks for both wildlife and the human communities living downstream. At 4ocean, we believe real change begins with awareness and shared effort. The hope is that community participation will continue to grow and that today’s work will help preserve cleaner waterways for future generations.
