5 MIN READ
04-10-2025
Blocked Sumberjo River: 4ocean Team’s Solution to Handle Plastic Pollution
Dika, 4ocean Jembrana Content Correspondent
When the 4ocean Java River team received word that the Sumberjo River was choking under the weight of plastic pollution, they didn't hesitate. Equipped with sacks, ropes, sickles, saws, life jackets, and metal rakes, the team set out to tackle the worsening situation head-on.
At Pengambengan Harbor, Wahyudi, the head of the cleanup operation and captain for the day, delivered a rallying briefing. “Let’s fill every boat,” he told the team—Units 02, 03, 04, and 09 (Dugong)—before they set off toward the waters of Tanjung Pasir.
Upon arrival, they found the source of the problem: a massive fallen tree had blocked the river’s current, creating a natural dam where organic and inorganic waste piled up. Plastic bottles, snack wrappers, foam containers, glass bottles, bags, shoes—even banana trunks and branches—had collected in a heavy, tangled mass. With the river’s flow disrupted and the surrounding environment at risk, there was no time to waste.
The crew, led by Prayoga Setiawan (Wanwan), quickly strategized. They started by targeting the most heavily impacted areas, meticulously sorting waste by type into sacks. Each load was weighed at a designated station and then transported to a truck for removal. Over the course of the cleanup, they collected an impressive 1,436.3 pounds of waste.
“I would like to thank 4ocean Indonesia for this incredible work,” said Prayoga Setiawan. “I truly enjoy and appreciate being part of this effort, as it has a positive impact on the environment. Through this experience, I’ve learned a lot about the importance of cleanliness—because cleanliness is the key to maintaining health, preserving nature, and preventing pollution.”
Despite their enthusiasm, the team faced serious challenges. The riverbanks were muddy and dangerously slippery, demanding careful navigation to avoid accidents. Tall grasses concealed wild animals like snakes and monitor lizards, adding another layer of danger. And the waste itself, entwined with branches and debris, was stubborn and time-consuming to remove.
Yet the team's determination never wavered. With each sack filled and each blockage cleared, they took meaningful steps toward restoring the river’s flow—and its future.
While plastic waste is often discussed, seeing it firsthand, blocking the very lifeblood of an ecosystem, was a stark reminder: awareness alone isn't enough. Action is key. By cleaning up the Sumberjo River, the 4ocean Java River team is helping to protect local waterways, reduce pollution, and inspire a cleaner, healthier future for all.
