As many as 25 taskforce personnel of Seribu Island Sub-agency cleaned waste at Cilincing Beach of PT Kawasan Berikat Nusantara (KBN) Marunda area, North Jakarta. The program was held as commemoration of World Environment Day.

We deployed 25 personnel assisted by one boat and truck

Sub-agency's Management of Garbage, Waste and Hazardous and Toxic Materials Section Head, Lukman Dermanto, said this clean-up action aims to maintain the sustainability of marine biota in coastal areas and the waters of Jakarta Bay.

"We deployed 25 personnel assisted by one boat and truck," he said.

He added that the piles of rubbish in the area come from the sea, carried by the wind and waves, then pile up on the shorelines along the Cilincing coast.

"The waste is dominat e d by plastic, styrofoam, cloth and a number of household utensils. All of this waste material is difficult to decompose, so it is easily carried by the sea," he added.

Lukman stated that his party will continue to clean up until the area is free of rubbish. So far, personnel have succeeded in transporting more than three cubic tons of rubbish.

"We continue to be committed to cleaning up rubbish in the coastal and bay areas of North Jakarta. We hope that the hard work of these personnel will receive support from the community so that Jakarta can be free from rubbish," he stated.

One of Marunda residents, Sodiq (47), supported and appreciated the cleaning action held on Cilincing Beach. If it is not cleaned immediately, it is feared that the rubbish will be carried back by sea currents and the impact will pollute Jakarta's sea waters.

"This coastline is very wide, so it cannot be cleaned quickly. Hopefully this activity can be continued," he explained.