5 MIN READ
07-23-2025
The River Called—We Responded with Action
Dika, 4ocean Indonesia Content Correspondent
When reports came in about a severe waste buildup along a local river channel, our team jumped into action. A surge of improperly discarded organic and plastic waste had choked the water flow—piling up at an alarming rate after days of heavy rain. Trash was slipping past the boom barrier, threatening to overwhelm the system and push pollution downstream.
This wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was about protecting a vital waterway that supports irrigation, agriculture, and countless lives. So our River Team mobilized immediately, supported by the River Boom Team due to the scale of the debris. Equipped with life vests, iron claws, sickles, and saws, we tackled the thick bamboo blockages and dense, foul-smelling piles of plastic waste.
Two members waded into the sludge-filled canal to break apart compacted debris while the rest of the crew worked from the banks—hauling full sacks, sorting the waste, and loading it for transport. Every bit of plastic pulled from the water meant less risk for flooding, fewer toxins leaking into the soil, and a little more breathing room for the environment.
By the end of the operation, the teams had collected 57 super sacks of debris—totaling 2,240.5 pounds of waste. That included 1,844.3 pounds of plastic and 396.2 pounds of mixed material. Among the more surprising finds: flip-flops, old dolls, hats, sacks, bamboo, and rusting household items tangled in roots and reeds.
“For me, this work is more than just picking up trash,” said River Team member Dandy Rizki Asnanda. “It’s a mission to protect life—on land and in the water. I’ve been part of so many unforgettable cleanups across the region, and each one reminds me why we do this. This isn’t just a job. It’s the legacy we want to leave behind.”
The work was tough. Mud-soaked organic matter, thick bamboo, and sharp debris slowed down the crew and demanded careful, hands-on labor. The riverbed itself was unstable, making every step a calculated risk. But with tools, teamwork, and relentless effort, the crew managed to pull through and leave the area significantly cleaner than they found it.
Waste in our rivers doesn’t stay there. It moves—clogging canals, threatening agriculture, and flowing into the ocean. That’s why 4ocean teams step in when rivers are in distress. We’re not just removing trash—we’re helping restore the balance for everything downstream.
