Still A 'Giant Trash Can', Deputy Governor Of DKI: Ciliwung Watershed Conditions Are More Beautiful, Cleaner

JAKARTA - Deputy Governor (Vice Governor) of DKI Jakarta, Ahmad Riza Patria, claims that the current condition of the Ciliwung Watershed (DAS) is getting better, although he also admits that the surrounding community still often uses it as a 'giant trash can' where they dispose of all kinds of daily waste. day.

Riza also admits that the Ciliwung watershed area should be positioned as an important area, as has happened since ancient times.

"The current environment of the Ciliwung watershed can be said to be getting better, more beautiful and clean. Especially with a lot of reforestation," said Riza, in Jakarta, as reported by Antara, Saturday, March 12.

Riza said that the Ciliwung area since 5,000 years ago has indeed become an important area, with its position as a source of life for the Betawi people. This is inseparable from the position of the Ciliwung River as one of the main accesses from the sea to the interior.

"When we talk about Ciliwung, it has a lot of history. According to historians, since 5,000 years ago Ciliwung has been a source of life for Betawi residents. From ancient times, yes. People used to enter from the sea and then through the river to the mainland," said Riza.

Thus, according to Riza, the Ciliwung River has its own ecosystem as a water flow that reaches a length of approximately 120 kilometers from upstream to downstream.

With such an important position, Riza asked the community to change their mindset regarding rivers which had been considered unimportant. Riza thinks that this wrong mindset is the reason why there are still many people who lightly throw trash into the Ciliwung River.

"People's awareness of the river is still lacking. Our society still uses the river as a giant trash can. This is what we need to improve. We must be able to follow the example of developed countries, which make the river a clean, neat and beautiful front porch. there," said Riza.