5 MIN READ
12-30-2025
Serena & Lily Supports River Cleanup and Plastic Waste Removal Along the Stail River
Dika, 4ocean Jembrana Content Correspondent
The 4ocean Java River Team carried out a cleanup along the Stail River today, an area frequently impacted by plastic waste after major flood events. This cleanup was supported by Serena & Lily, whose partnership helps enable direct action in river systems where trash often becomes trapped before reaching the ocean. Along the Stail River, plastic waste commonly collects around mangrove roots and bamboo stems, forming dense clusters that restrict water flow and threaten nearby ecosystems. These conditions are the result of floodwaters carrying debris from upstream communities and depositing it along the lower river and river mouth.
To address the issue, the River Team conducted a full river sweep using boats, allowing them to cover the waterway from the dock all the way to the river mouth. Before departure, the crew prepared essential equipment including sacks, ropes, nets, cutters, and protective gear to ensure the cleanup could be carried out efficiently and safely. While navigating the river, the team identified sections where waste accumulation was especially severe due to recent flooding and immediately focused their efforts on those areas.
As the cleanup progressed, waste was carefully removed from the water and surrounding vegetation, then sorted by type and packed into sacks. Once filled, the sacks were loaded onto the boat and transported back to the dock, where the collected material was weighed and recorded. All waste was then delivered to the 4ocean Java base using the team truck for proper handling and disposal.
By the end of the operation, the team collected a total of 775.5 lbs of waste across 38 sacks. This included 688.6 lbs of plastic waste and 86.9 lbs of mixed waste. Items recovered from the river ranged from plastic bags, bottles, cups, foam materials, carpeting, plates, and drinking straws to dolls, fabric clothing, cans, bags, shoes, used tires, and glass bottles. Removing this debris helped restore water flow and reduced the immediate risk of further pollution spreading into the ocean.
Reza Pahlevi reflected on the cleanup by sharing his determination to continue fighting against the constant flow of waste entering the river. He emphasized the importance of consistency and resilience, noting that meaningful results are achieved through sustained effort rather than complaints about difficult conditions.
The team faced several challenges during the cleanup. Large amounts of organic waste blocked boat access to certain areas where plastic debris had accumulated, forcing crew members to remove their waders and swim to reach deeper sections of the river. Along the riverbanks, plastic waste was heavily mixed with mud, which clung tightly to the debris and significantly slowed the cleaning process. Despite these obstacles, the team remained focused and completed the cleanup thoroughly.
Waste pollution remains a widespread issue across Indonesia, with rivers acting as major pathways carrying trash from land to sea. The cleanup at the Stail River was not only about removing waste but also about demonstrating the power of consistent action and shared responsibility. With support from partners like Serena & Lily, the 4ocean Java Team continues to take meaningful steps toward protecting river systems and inspiring local communities to participate in keeping their waterways clean for the future.
Learn more about 4ocean's partnership with Serena & Lily here.
