5 MIN READ
9-25-2024
From Stagnant to Free-Flowing: Clearing a River Blockage in Bali
Ihsan, 4ocean Crew Member
On September 22, 2024, deep in the heart of Bali at the Banjar Tengah River, a community stood helpless as their beloved river was choked with pollution and debris. What was once a vibrant ecosystem teeming with fish had turned into a stagnant body of foul-smelling water, poisoned by industrial and household waste. The culprit? Massive piles of bamboo, carried downstream after the dam gates were opened two weeks prior, which blocked the river's natural flow. This obstruction not only created a visible eyesore but also caused tragic damage to the river’s aquatic life.
When the 4ocean Jembrana crew arrived, they were greeted with hopeful smiles and eager hands. Local residents had been living with this grim reality for weeks, and their only hope now was the experienced 4ocean team.
Led by crew members Sudirman, Dimyati, and Jayadi, the crew quickly assessed the damage. The river had become a toxic trap for fish, and our hearts sank as we witnessed the massive die-off of fish caused by the waste-contaminated water. But with determination and the support of the community, we set to work.
The challenges were immediately apparent. The bamboo branches, dense and thorny, made removal difficult and dangerous. Splinters and sharp thorns tore at the crew's hands and clothes as they painstakingly cut and guided the bamboo to a designated collection area. The team’s strategy evolved as they carefully removed each branch, working alongside residents who pitched in with knives to clear bamboo from their gardens.
The entire crew, along with the community, worked tirelessly under the hot sun. “It was hard seeing the fish trapped in the toxic water, knowing how many had died,” said Dimyati. “But when we saw the water running clear again, we knew we were helping to save the river, and that made us proud.”
The work was arduous, but the payoff was immense. After several hours of heavy lifting and careful coordination, the river began to flow freely once again. The transformation was nothing short of remarkable. As the water cleared and the foul smell began to dissipate, the community watched in awe as surviving fish began to swim freely in the river once again. For many residents, it was a moment of celebration—a chance for their river to heal and thrive once more.
The crew removed an entire truckload of waste from the river, including plastic bags, beverage bottles, styrofoam, and bamboo fragments. The impact was immediate and visible.
For the crew, this cleanup was more than just an environmental effort—it was a powerful reminder of the importance of community and nature working together. The joy of the riverside residents was infectious, and we left the site with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing our efforts had made a lasting impact.
