5 MIN READ
06-17-2025
Where the River Speaks: Answering the Call Against Plastic
Dika, 4ocean Indonesia Content Correspondent
After a recent flood swept through the area, word reached the 4ocean Indonesia River team: plastic had returned to the river. This was an all-too-familiar story. Just months earlier, the team had cleared the very same site—only to have it undone by a surge of water carrying debris downstream. This time, however, the plastic wasn't alone. A large tree branch had fallen across the water, trapping the waste and causing a visible blockage.
Without delay, the River Team geared up and deployed to the site, ready to face the challenge. Upon arrival, they quickly surveyed the river and got to work. Team Captain Prayoga Setiawan made the call to divide the crew: a "Plastic Team" and a "Non-Plastic Team," each tasked with focusing on their respective waste categories. This allowed the sorting and collection process to move efficiently despite the difficult terrain.
In total, the team removed 1,606 pounds of debris from the river, including 913 pounds of plastic waste, 334.5 pounds of non-plastic materials, and 358.5 pounds of mixed debris. Among the items recovered were snack wrappers, plastic bottles, foam containers, fabric, sandals, and even a discarded mattress. The waste was heavily concentrated around the fallen tree, with some areas layered in microplastics and branches stuck deep in the mud.
The crew navigated not just the river, but the landscape around it. Tall grass and shrubs lined the riverbanks, often a haven for monitor lizards and snakes. Every step required focus and care. Transporting the collected sacks was just as difficult, as the access paths were slick and uneven. Despite these challenges, the team pressed on, unified by a mission that went beyond the physical task.
“This job is not only enjoyable, but also deeply meaningful,” shared Biatra Mardianto. “It’s more than just a routine—it’s a calling. A heartfelt mission to protect all life from the threat of plastic pollution in our oceans and on land.” And he’s right. Every cleanup isn’t just about removing trash—it’s a statement, a way of showing up for the environment and for each other. By answering the river’s call, the team helped restore its flow, even if just for now.
