Luhut Hopes That The Citarum Harum Program Will Continue

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan (Photo: dock. Antara)

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Menko Marves), Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan hopes that the Citarum Harum program can continue for the sustainability and sustainability of the environment along the Citarum River.

"I hope this (Citarum Harum) continues, we will continue not to stop here and I also thank the regency and city governments who come down to clean up," Luhut said quoting Antara.

Luhut assessed that the Citarum Harum program is one of the government's great initiatives in overcoming environmental problems that have long polluted the longest river in West Java.

"I once told the Governor of West Java, Mr. Bey, if you want future generations, West Java people have problems, so please throw garbage in the river, but if you want the West Java generation, it's good not to throw garbage," he said.

He revealed that currently conditions along the Citarum River are now much cleaner than six years ago when he first visited the river.

"I remember, the first time I was here six years ago, I was still able to walk on a pile of garbage above the river. But now it's clean and the water is starting to clear," he said.

He said this success could not be separated from the active role of local governments, the TNI, Polri, as well as communities and local communities who continue to be committed to maintaining the cleanliness and sustainability of the Citarum River.

"I am very happy to collaborate with TNI friends and local governments from now on, especially Governor Bey to give his heart to solve this," said Luhut.

Furthermore, Luhut admitted that he would report the results of the evaluation of the handling of the Citarum River to President Jokowi regarding the possibility of extending the program to be continued.

This is in line with the end of Presidential Decree Number 15 of 2018 in December 2025, so that the community and relevant stakeholders will then be responsible for managing the Citarum watershed.

"Yes, I will report to the president whether he wants to be extended later in the governor in charge or how we will see," he said.