5 MIN READ
02-20-2026
Setail River Flood Cleanup with U.S. Polo Association
Dika, 4ocean Jembrana Content Correspondent
On January 29, 2026, we mobilized along the Setail River with the support of U.S. Polo Association to remove flood debris left behind after days of heavy rainfall. The Setail River is a vital waterway that supports local livelihoods, but when it overflowed into nearby residential areas and plantations, it carried thousands of pieces of plastic and organic waste downstream. As floodwaters receded, the scale of pollution became clear, and we knew immediate action was necessary.
Led by Captain Krisna Iza Rabindra, our River Team prepared boats, life jackets, nets, ropes, sacks, and fuel before departing for the Ringin Putih boat dock. After a short safety and strategy briefing, we launched our boats and began sweeping the river. Styrofoam and plastic bottles floated across the surface, while other debris collected along riverbanks and in mangrove roots. In several areas, we docked to manually remove waste that had become trapped in plantations and dense mangrove sections affected by the flooding.
Working steadily for hours, we filled sack after sack with recovered debris. The muddy mangrove terrain made evacuation difficult, requiring extra coordination and physical effort to transport the waste onto our boats. Despite the challenging conditions, strong teamwork ensured every collected sack was secured and brought back to the dock.
By the end of the cleanup, we had removed a total of 684.2 pounds of waste across 43 sacks. The majority consisted of plastic waste, totaling 564.7 pounds in 40 sacks, along with 119.5 pounds of mixed waste in three additional sacks. The weighing process took time due to the large volume collected, but seeing the scale of impact reinforced why this work matters.
For our crew, this was about more than removing visible debris. As Biatra Mardianto shared, “We will continue carrying out cleanup actions wherever plastic waste is found, especially in rivers, mangrove areas, and the ocean. We will also continue educating communities about the importance of proper waste management. I believe that with strong spirit and consistency, we can bring real hope and meaningful change to the environment, from rivers to the ocean.”
Flooding in the Setail River is not a one time occurrence. Each heavy rainfall carries more waste downstream, and much of it ultimately reaches the ocean. Rivers that should sustain ecosystems and communities are instead burdened by pollution. Flood events serve as reminders that improper waste management has consequences that extend far beyond a single neighborhood.
With the support of U.S. Polo Association, we remain committed to consistent action in rivers, mangroves, and coastal areas. We will continue removing waste at its source, educating communities, and demonstrating that real change is possible through persistence and collective responsibility. Our mission is not only to clean what we see today, but to protect waterways and oceans for generations to come.
Learn more about 4ocean's partnership with U.S. Polo Association here.
