Water is the source of life. Its availability is an absolute necessity for all living things on Earth. Although the physical amount of water on Earth is vast, only a small amount can be utilized. One important source of water is the rivers around us.

Rivers have played an important role in the development of human civilization. For example, some of the earliest civilizations in the world were located close to rivers, such as the Mesopotamian civilization located between the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers, as well as the ancient Egyptian civilization that we know is based around the Nile River, Ancient China with the Yellow River, and India with the Indus River. Apart from being a source of much-needed water in human life, rivers are also fundamental to driving social and economic growth.

Currently, the condition of several rivers in Indonesia is very concerning. Data shows that 82% of rivers in Indonesia are in a state of disrepair and 52 strategic rivers in Indonesia are polluted. One of the rivers in poor condition is the Ciliwung River. The river that crosses the city of Jakarta and has its headwaters in the Puncak area, Bogor, is facing alarming pressure and pollution. Data from 2017 shows that under normal conditions, around 300 tons of waste accumulates per day in the Ciliwung River. The waste that accumulates is not only on the riverbanks, but also in the body/stream of the river.

This is what encourages WWF-Indonesia together with HSBC volunteers, KPC (Komunitas Peduli Ciliwung) volunteers, volunteers from several other communities, related agencies, and the community at large to take concrete action "Mulung Ciliwung" on Sunday (16/09). Volunteers and the public jumped right into the river and picked up recyclable waste.

Located in one segment of the Ciliwung River, precisely around the Sempur area, Bogor, this "Mulung Ciliwung" activity was carried out with the aim of cleaning up garbage in the Ciliwung River, reducing pollution in the Ciliwung River due to garbage, preserving the Ciliwung River, and increasing public awareness of concern for the environment, especially rivers and protecting rivers as a source of water for the community.

This "mulung" activity felt special because it was carried out at the same time in commemoration of "World Clean Up Day" which is celebrated every September 15, and also as a series of activities towards "World River Day" which is celebrated every September 30. It felt even more special because besides being attended by WWF and HSBC staff, this activity was also attended by representatives of the Bogor City Environment Agency, which was attended by the Head of the Bogor City Environment Agency and the team who at the same time socialized the Bogor Mayor Regulation Number 61 of 2018 related to Reducing the Use of Plastic Bags. Based on the regulation, starting December 1, 2018 all modern stores and shopping centers are prohibited from providing plastic bags. The "mulung" activity was also attended by fellow volunteers from BPBD Bogor City, Bogor Ciliwung Community/KPC Bogor volunteers, volunteers from WWF and Panda Mobile, as well as from the general public who participated in the activity.

The "Mulung Ciliwung" activity was also aired through Facebook Live Streaming of Science Class (Ilmu Pengetahuan Air) Episode 2, hosted by Anya (WWF volunteer). In addition to discussing the conditions and reasons why the Ciliwung River was chosen, the talk show also asked for opinions from volunteers who attended from various communities regarding their impressions and messages during the "Mulung Ciliwung" activity.

The "Mulung Ciliwung" activity carried out by the volunteers has managed to collect 132 sacks of garbage. A sack of garbage is estimated to weigh 30-50 kg, so the total estimated average weight of the garbage collected by the volunteers is around 5,280 kg. The Environment Agency truck had to return three times to collect the sacks of garbage due to the large amount that had been collected. While the Dinas Lingkungan Hidup officers were stacking the sacks on the truck, all the volunteers gathered at the field for some educational games followed by lunch from Fish n Blues.

It's time for us to take action, starting from ourselves and the environment around us. Unexpectedly, this short Mulung Ciliwung action has managed to remove approximately 5.2 tons of waste from the Ciliwung River. Don't forget to join the Mulung Ciliwung action next month. Complete information will be announced through WWF-Indonesia's social media.