5 MIN READ
01-28-2026
Pangpang River Cleanup With The Seed. After Severe Flooding
Dika, 4ocean Jembrana Content Correspondent
The River 4ocean Java team, consisting of Krisna Iza Rabindra, Adi Arif Ryanto, Biatra Mardianto, Bisma Wira Yuda, Dandi Rizki Asnanda, Jefri Alvian, and Yusuf Kurniawan Ramadan, carried out a cleanup along the Pangpang River following severe flooding caused by prolonged heavy rainfall.
Following intense rainfall, the Pangpang River was once again overwhelmed by large volumes of plastic and organic waste. As water levels rose and overflowed into nearby residential areas, debris was swept downstream and became tightly entangled in trees and exposed roots along the riverbanks. The scene was both distressing and hazardous, highlighting how flooding amplifies the impacts of improper waste disposal. In response to these conditions, the River 4ocean Java team mobilized quickly to prevent the accumulated waste from continuing toward the ocean. This cleanup was supported by our partner, The Seed., whose support played an important role in enabling a rapid and effective response during a critical moment.
Upon arrival at the site, the team prepared essential equipment including sacks, ropes, and personal protective gear. A brief coordination meeting was led by the team captain, during which tasks were assigned and safety reminders were emphasized. Particular caution was required around dense vegetation, exposed roots, and flooded areas, which can serve as hiding places for snakes and other wildlife.
The cleanup began in the most heavily impacted sections of the river, where waste had accumulated in large quantities. Despite slippery ground conditions and challenging terrain, the crew worked steadily for several hours to extract debris trapped along the riverbanks. Much of the waste collected was mixed waste, reflecting the way floodwaters carry a wide range of materials from surrounding communities into the river system.
By the end of the operation, dozens of sacks had been filled, gathered, and documented for weighing. The team recorded a total of 1,947.6 pounds of waste removed from the Pangpang River. This included 328.5 pounds of plastic waste, 1,462.4 pounds of mixed waste, and 156.7 pounds of non plastic waste, all of which was transported back to the 4ocean Java base using the team’s pickup truck.
Throughout the cleanup, the team encountered a wide variety of debris. Plastic waste included bags, used beverage bottles, food packaging foam, and fragmented plastics, while non plastic waste consisted of items such as cans, clothing, bags, shoes, fabric, diapers, and other household materials. The diversity of waste types underscored the ongoing challenges facing river systems located near residential areas.
Reflecting on the cleanup, Jefri Alvian shared that the large amount of waste scattered along the river created a deeply concerning sight. He noted that what the team found clearly reflects the ongoing impact of improper waste disposal into river systems and emphasized the team’s commitment to continuing efforts that bring hope to both ecosystems and surrounding communities.
The cleanup was not without its challenges. Waste entangled in bamboo thorns required careful handling to avoid injuries, while slippery conditions increased the risk of falls. These obstacles required the crew to work slowly and remain alert throughout the operation, prioritizing safety while maintaining momentum.
Flooding and waste pollution remain persistent problems across many regions in Indonesia. Rivers like the Pangpang flow close to residential areas, and when waste disposal practices are ignored, floodwaters quickly transport debris into communities and onward to the ocean. Through swift action, strong teamwork, and continued support from partners like The Seed, the 4ocean Java team remains committed to protecting waterways and fostering a cleaner, healthier environment that can be preserved for future generations.
