5 MIN READ
06-05-2025
Preventing Floods: Collective Efforts in Cleaning Up the Pengatigan River Boom
Dika, 4ocean Jembrana Content Correspondent
On May 30, 2025, the 4ocean Java River Boom Team 1 embarked on a crucial cleanup operation at the Pengatigan River Boom. Led by Captain Saiful Kirom, the team faced the challenging task of clearing plastic waste and bamboo debris that had accumulated in the installed net. This net serves as the first line of defense against pollution, preventing waste from traveling further downstream and into the ocean. However, without regular maintenance, it can become clogged, increasing the risk of flooding, especially during the rainy season.
Upon arrival, the team quickly assessed the situation. The net had trapped a substantial amount of plastic bags, bottles, styrofoam, and even discarded sandals. Alongside these, large wooden and bamboo logs had also become entangled, forming a significant obstruction to the river’s natural flow. If left unaddressed, the blockage could lead to flooding in nearby residential areas, endangering both lives and property.
Under Captain Kirom’s leadership, the team sprang into action. Equipped with supporting tools, they worked diligently to extract as much waste as possible. However, due to the sheer size and weight of the wooden logs, complete removal was not feasible. Instead, the team secured the logs along the riverbank, ensuring they wouldn’t drift back and create further blockages.
By the time the cleanup concluded, the team had successfully extracted 228.1 pounds of waste from the river, restoring its flow and preventing further pollution downstream. Among the debris, plastic waste dominated at 158.9 pounds—bags, bottles, and styrofoam forming the bulk of the collection. Non-plastic waste, including discarded fabric, glass bottles, and aluminum cans, made up another 62.9 pounds. In total, six sacks of waste were hauled from the waterway, each one a small but significant victory in the ongoing fight against pollution. Every piece removed was a step toward cleaner rivers and a healthier ecosystem.
For Captain Kirom, this cleanup was more than just another mission—it was a personal commitment to environmental stewardship. Reflecting on the experience, he shared:
“I have experienced many things while conducting clean-up operations at various River Boom net locations. This has been a unique challenge for me because what my team and I are doing is a positive action and a real effort toward cleanliness.
I truly enjoy this work, and I believe that when we do something consistently, change will eventually come.I also want to express my gratitude to 4ocean Java for trusting me as the Captain of River Boom Team 1. I hope 4ocean continues to grow and always provides solutions to the waste problems that affect communities everywhere.”
While the operation was a success, it was not without its difficulties. The team struggled with lifting large wooden logs from the river, and despite various efforts, they couldn’t fully remove them. Instead of leaving them adrift, they devised a solution: securing the logs along the riverbank to prevent them from being carried away by the current. This allowed water to continue flowing without obstruction, minimizing the risk of future flooding.
The persistent issue of waste in the Pengatigan River highlights a broader environmental challenge. Both organic and inorganic waste contribute to pollution, affecting not only waterways but also land ecosystems. Left unchecked, waste generates unpleasant odors, threatens human health, and disrupts marine habitats once it reaches the ocean.
The work of the River Boom 4ocean Java team is a testament to the power of action. By continuously removing waste from the water, they are not only preventing floods but also protecting the environment for future generations. The battle against pollution is ongoing, but with every cleanup, the vision of cleaner, healthier rivers becomes more achievable.
