5 MIN READ
06-24-2025
Where Rivers Return It All: A Cleanup Fueled by Teamwork and Tide
Dika, 4ocean Indonesia Content Correspondent
On a quiet morning along one of Indonesia’s coastal stretches, two 4ocean teams—River and Beach—came together to take on a problem that refuses to stay upstream.
The site had become a landing zone. Trash dumped into rivers farther inland had made the journey out to sea, only to be tossed back ashore by wind and tide. Plastic bottles, bags, foam containers, and even worn-out shoes formed a line along the sand. It was a familiar scene—and a frustrating one.
But this cleanup wasn’t just about collecting waste. It was about facing the problem at one of its endpoints and reminding ourselves of its origin. Armed with sacks, gloves, and a plan, the crew divided into smaller groups to tackle the shoreline, sorting plastic, mixed, and non-plastic waste as they went. The work was intense, but so was the momentum. In the face of rising tides and heavy debris, everyone kept moving.
By day’s end, the team had cleared a staggering 4,879.6 pounds of trash from the shoreline—an effort that filled 78 full sacks. Among the haul were 1,721.5 pounds of plastic waste, 224.4 pounds of non-plastic materials, and a massive 2,933.7 pounds of mixed debris, much of it tangled, waterlogged, or buried beneath the sand. It was a powerful reminder of how relentless the flow of waste can be—and how much impact a united crew can make in a single day.
Items ranged from bottles and bags to straws, wrappers, cans, fabric, shoes, and soaked cardboard—each a trace of a broader waste system in need of repair.
Indra, one of the Beach Crew members, shared:“These cleanups have taught me the true value of cleanliness, teamwork, and responsibility. Every day I see how plastic pollutes our oceans—how trash overshadows the beauty of the coast.Even the smallest effort makes a difference. I’m grateful to be part of something that matters.”
That sense of purpose carried the team through the day—past fatigue, wet clothing, and shifting tides.
Working by the coast means working against the clock. As the tide rose, the team had to move fast before floating debris was pulled back to sea. Waterlogged sacks became heavier and more difficult to carry. And the constant wave motion made collecting plastic in the surf a tricky, never-ending dance. Still, the team adapted. They coordinated closely, stayed motivated, and pushed through.
This cleanup underscored a truth we see again and again: What goes into the river doesn’t disappear. It comes back. On our beaches, in our food systems, and sometimes even in the air we breathe.
What happened here isn’t unique. Across Indonesia and the globe, improper waste disposal—especially into waterways—creates a loop of pollution that harms both people and planet. At 4ocean, our mission is to break that cycle.
We’ll keep showing up. Whether it’s at riverbanks, coastlines, or deep in mangroves, we’re committed to cleaning, educating, and protecting the environment we all depend on.
