Pramono to Form Special Team to Eradicate Fish Sweep, Operations are Routine

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung (Diah Ayu/VOI)

JAKARTA - The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has taken further steps to control the population of sapu-sapu fish that are increasingly dominating the capital's waters. One of them is by forming a special team from the elements of handling public infrastructure and facilities (PJLP).

DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung emphasized that the handling of invasive fish will not stop at a mere ceremonial activity. The capture operation will be carried out regularly and expanded.

This was revealed by Pramono when he led a simultaneous mop-up fishing operation in five administrative cities in Jakarta.

"In particular, we will assign PPLH who are specifically tasked to reduce the dominance of sapu-sapu fish. Later, there will be a special assignment for PJLP to handle these sapu-sapu fish," said Pramono in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta, Friday, April 17.

Pramono revealed that one of the main challenges in controlling the sapu-sapu fish is its ability to develop very quickly. In one reproduction, this fish is able to produce hundreds to thousands of eggs.

This condition makes it necessary to carry out control efforts consistently. Otherwise, the population of mop-mop fish has the potential to dominate again in a short time.

"If asked how much percent it should be, yes, as much as possible, we will do our best to reduce it because if this is left alone for a while, its dominance will definitely return," explained Pramono.

"So then why PJLP who will be in charge of special tasks, we will assign to take care of or take the sapu-sapu fish that are in the ditches in rivers like this and so on," he added.

Pramono admitted that the current population of sapu-sapu fish was worrying. Based on a study by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), the number of sapu-sapu fish in Jakarta is estimated to have exceeded 60 percent of the total fish population in the waters.

"From the results of the investigation from the KKP, it is estimated that more than 60 percent of the fish are now in Jakarta and all of them may also be in other areas," he said.

Pramono assessed that the presence of these fish threatens the ecosystem. Its invasive nature makes it difficult for local fish to survive because their eggs are eaten.

In addition, the fish is also considered dangerous if consumed. The government found a high enough residue content, namely above 0.3.

"It's very dangerous. If it is then consumed it will be dangerous and if it is left alone it will be damaged because it is always in making the house that he gnaws the walls and so on," said Pramono.

The fish caught will not be used, but buried to avoid health and environmental risks. He emphasized that this step is an initial effort to restore the balance of the Jakarta water ecosystem, which is currently dominated by sapu-sapu fish.