Indonesian activists run and dive into sewers to battle plastic pollution head-on
A team of environmental activists in Indonesia is taking extreme measures to fight plastic pollution. Sam Bencheghib and his siblings founded Sungai Watch in 2020 to clean Bali’s rivers and beaches. Their latest campaign involves running across the country while diving into sewers to remove waste firsthand. Indonesia ranks as the world’s second-largest source of ocean plastic pollution, trailing only China. Rivers carry vast amounts of waste into the sea, where microplastics now contaminate even rainwater. Sungai Watch has spent six years cleaning waterways daily, stopping millions of kilograms of plastic from reaching the ocean.
The group has mapped over 350 illegal dumpsites on Bali alone. To raise awareness and funds, the Bencheghib siblings are running across Indonesia, pausing to clear clogged sewers along the way. Their goal is to collect one million dollars to remove one million kilograms of plastic from rivers. Researcher Muhammad Reza Cordova supports their mission, advising people to wear cotton masks and avoid single-use plastics. These steps, he says, can reduce personal exposure to harmful microplastics. Meanwhile, the Indonesian government has promised action, though results remain inconsistent.
Sungai Watch’s efforts highlight the scale of Indonesia’s plastic crisis. The activists continue their cross-country run, combining direct action with public outreach. Their work aims to cut ocean pollution while pushing for stronger environmental policies.
Read also:
- Executive from significant German automobile corporation advocates for a truthful assessment of transition toward electric vehicles
- Crisis in a neighboring nation: immediate cheese withdrawal at Rewe & Co, resulting in two fatalities.
- United Kingdom Christians Voice Opposition to Assisted Dying Legislation
- Democrats are subtly dismantling the Affordable Care Act. Here's the breakdown
