Susuri Cicatih 20 Kilometer, Ekspedisi Elpala Catat Debit Sungai Turun Satu Meter

The Cicatih Elpala Expedition Team completed the excavation of the Cicatih River for about 20 kilometers. (IST)

SUKABUMI - The Cicatih Elpala Expedition Team completed the excavation of the Cicatih River for about 20 kilometers to Pelabuhan Ratu, Sukabumi, Friday (10/7/2026). The eight-hour journey also recorded a decrease in river discharge which is estimated to reach one meter due to the dry season.

The expedition took place since July 4 with a route from the upstream of the Cimelati River, the area of the Gunung Halimun Salak National Park, to the Cicatih stream. This activity was initiated by Rumah Elpala together with active members of Elpala SMA Negeri 68 Jakarta to produce a documentary film themed adventure, character education, and conservation.

Before entering the river, the team took a climbing route to Post 5, crossed primary forests, set up a tent, and rappelled into the waterfall. The rafting was then carried out with the Wanadri team.

When traveling down Cicatih, participants saw the water surface was lower than normal conditions. Local resident, Rio, said drought was the main cause.

"Compared to usual, the water surface drops about one meter due to drought," said Rio.

The finding is one of the important notes of the expedition. The decrease in discharge shows the close relationship between forest conditions and water availability in rivers.

The founder of Elpala, Dar Edi Yoga, said the expedition was designed not only to test the physical ability of participants. Nature activities, according to Dar Edi, also train discipline, leadership, cooperation, and responsibility to the environment.

"In nature, young people learn about discipline, cooperation, leadership, responsibility, and the importance of maintaining environmental balance," he said.

The documentary, which was produced during the trip, will record biodiversity, river conditions, and the dynamics of participants while crossing forest and water terrain.

The documentary director and founder of Elpala, Eka Bama Putra, said the film wanted to show the relationship between humans and nature, not just the tension when facing the terrain.

"Every journey has a story and every challenge teaches a lesson," he said.

He emphasized that safety remains the main requirement in every expedition. Preparation, technical ability, and mastery of the field must be balanced so that activities do not endanger participants or the environment.

The expedition ended at Pelabuhan Ratu on Friday afternoon. This journey was supported by the Gunung Halimun Salak National Park Office, the Ministry of Forestry, Wanadri, Boogie, and Pickup Mini Bus Community.