Banyuwangi government implements integrated plan for Kalimati River waste

The Banyuwangi Regency government is launching a comprehensive, multi-stage plan to address waste accumulation in the Kalimati River, specifically at the mouth of the river in Kedungrejo Village, Muncar. Following a massive cleanup operation that removed over 15 tons of waste from an 800-meter stretch, officials noted that cleaning alone is insufficient to solve the recurring problem.

Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani stated that the strategy must include behavioral changes, improved waste management systems, and collective supervision. To prevent future dumping, the local government plans to install netting along the upper parts of the river within one to six months and deploy CCTV cameras at strategic points to monitor activities.

In addition to domestic waste, authorities are also targeting abandoned shipwrecks in the area. The government is currently collecting data on ship ownership to facilitate cleanup efforts. Moving forward, the administration aims to involve local residents and businesses in a sustainable management model to ensure the river remains clean.