5 MIN READ
07-07-2025
The Fight to Keep Indonesia’s Coastlines Clean
Dika, 4ocean Indonesia Content Correspondent
On a breezy morning, the 4ocean River Team launched a cleanup mission to protect one of Indonesia’s most remote and unspoiled beaches. Arriving by boat, the crew was met with a heartbreaking but familiar sight: ropes of plastic waste snaking through the sand, bottles bobbing in the shallows, and layers of forgotten trash tangled in the shoreline.
This coastal haven, though hidden from crowds, is not immune to the impacts of high tides and seasonal winds. Marine debris—carried by river currents and left behind by careless visitors—gathers in silence until it becomes impossible to ignore.
The team got to work immediately, moving in rhythm—collecting, sorting, and hauling waste under the sun. Once filled, each sack was carefully transported by boat and truck back to base for weighing and proper processing. By day’s end, they had removed 1,137.3 pounds of debris. Among the waste were plastic bottles, foam containers, worn-out bags, sandals, tires, and more—proof that no place, no matter how secluded, is safe from the reach of plastic pollution.
Crew member Hendrik Prasetyo shared a personal reflection: “I’m truly grateful to be part of the 4ocean family. This is a defining moment in my life—a chance to grow into someone who brings value to others. We’re making a real impact while showing people why it’s important to keep our environment clean.”
There were tough moments. Much of the debris had sunk deep into sand and mud, making it hard to extract. As the tide quickly retreated, the boat risked getting stuck while loaded down with trash. But the team stayed focused, adapting fast and supporting each other every step of the way.
There were tough moments. Much of the debris had sunk deep into sand and mud, making it hard to extract. As the tide quickly retreated, the boat risked getting stuck while loaded down with trash. But the team stayed focused, adapting fast and supporting each other every step of the way.
