A resident catches fish at a once-scenic waterfall on the Cileungsi River. The thick foam on the water is largely a product of waste runoff from nearby industries. Curug Parigi, Indonesia.
This image highlights the urgent need for environmental protection against harmful industrial practices in the river systems adjacent to Jakarta, Indonesia. Textile manufacturing, agricultural runoff, and the discharge of domestic waste are some of the contributing factors to the pollution of the waterways. The contamination of the Cileungsi River, which winds through the densely populated cities of Bogor and Bekasi on its way to the Java Sea, is exacerbated by prolonged droughts. These factors present a critical challenge for the Bekasi area's water supply and pose not only a grave threat to the surrounding ecosystem, but also the health and livelihoods of millions of people who live in nearby communities.
Compounding the issue are the inadequate enforcement of environmental regulations by the government, and ongoing economic development in the region. Both impede any concerted efforts aimed at mitigating and rectifying the pollution of the Cileungsi River. Despite local awareness of the environmental degradation and its detrimental impacts, effective measures to combat the pollution remain elusive.
Pollution of the Cileungsi compromises access to clean water essential for drinking, irrigation, and sanitation purposes, exacerbating health risks and diminishing economic opportunities for local communities. Moreover, the ecological degradation of the river undermines its function as a vital resource for agriculture, fisheries, and tourism, further damaging the region's socio-economic fabric.
Are you a photographer and/or passionate about press freedom? Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on our annual contest and to hear about exhibitions near you.
