Jakarta Strengthens Concrete Steps to Combat Water Pollution

The Jakarta Environmental Agency is about to hold a foam management simulation at the Wier 3 Sluice Gate, East Flood Canal (KBT) on Wednesday (8/13). This involves cross-sector Regional Apparatus Organizations (OPD) and aims to ensure a quick and effective response if foam reappears at the site.

C ollaborate to accelerate the recovery of river water quality

Jakarta Environmental Agency Head, Asep Kuswanto said, this simulation is a concrete step in short-term pollution control as part of a long-term river water recovery program. The pollutant levels in the area have exceeded environmental quality standards.

"Environmental Agency, together with the Disaster Management Agency, the Water Resources Agency, and the Fire and Rescue Agency, will collaborate to accelerate the recovery of river water quality ," he expressed, Tuesday (8/12).

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According to him, foam is created due to high levels of organic pollution indicated by Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) values. Additionally, household waste, especially soap and detergents containing synthetic surfactants, is a main cause.

"Turbulent conditions at the sluice gate due to differences in surface elevation cause air to become trapped in the water, thereby increasing and maintaining foam," he explained.

He continued, the team would use a nozzle spray that mixes water with a microorganism solution containing surfactant-degrading microorganisms in the simulation, such as EM4, which is more biodegradable to accelerate foam breakdown.

His team also plan to install floating nets to localize its spread. Motorized rubber boats would be on standby inside and outside the net area to support the mobility of personnel in the field.

He emphasized the importance of long-term prevention beyond emergency response. One way is through the regulation of business actors who are required to have a Statement of Commitment for Environmental Management and Monitoring (SPPL), a mandatory document for small-scale businesses with a built-up area of less than one hectare or buildings under 5,000 square meters.

He then reminded that violations of environmental management can be subject to criminal sanctions under Jakarta Regional Regulation No. 8/2007 on Public Order, with penalties of imprisonment for 10 to 90 days or fines ranging from Rp 100,000 to Rp 30 million.

According to Gubernatorial Regulation Number 122/2005 on Domestic Wastewater, violators may also be subject to administrative sanctions in the form of revocation of business permits and sealing of buildings.

"This year, we are focusing on developing the SPPL category businesses, starting with the Ciliwung River Basin area as a pilot project for strengthening environmental management from the upstream," he said.