By: Wini Dewi Aliani

Throughout the history of mankind, rivers have always played a central role in civilization. History records the Euphrates and Tigris, Nile, Ganges, and Yan-tze rivers as centers of civilization in the past.
In Indonesia, the Ciliwung river played an important role in the growth of Jakarta, which today is the most important city in Indonesia, and its surrounding cities. Historical remains show that the Pajajaran kingdom used the Ciliwung river as the main means of transportation from the royal capital at Pakuan to the sea.

With a flow length of 120 kilometers from Mount Gede to Sunda Kelapa Harbor, the Ciliwung River has witnessed the development of the city of Jakarta from the Pajajaran kingdom, Dutch control that built artificial canals, to current problems such as flooding, drought, and water quality in the capital that color the lives of residents. The condition of the Ciliwung River has always colored the life of the city of Jakarta until now.

River problems are always closely related to other problems experienced by the community. Problems with rivers such as floods and droughts will bring other problems such as social and economic problems in addition to technical problems.

One of the efforts to improve the Ciliwung river is to improve the upstream area and the Ciliwung watershed (DAS). Currently, the cool air conditions, soil fertility, and strategic location of the upstream area and watershed of the Ciliwung river are causing changes due to aggressive land commercialization. This will result in increased potential for flooding as a result of topographical factors, the decline of water catchment areas, high rainwater intensity, drought, and ultimately of course will cause problems for the citizens of Jakarta and its surroundings.

Look forward to WWF-Indonesia's program for a better Ciliwung river.