Restoring the Flow for Local Farmers
In Sumbersewu Village, a vital irrigation channel had become clogged with plastic waste, threatening the livelihoods of local farmers. The Sumbersewu ditch plays a crucial role in supplying water to rice fields and other crops, but due to pollution, the flow had been obstructed, raising concerns about potential drought and failed harvests. Responding to reports from concerned residents, River Boom Team 1 mobilized to clear the blockage and restore the waterway’s function.
Led by Saiful Kirom (Captain) and supported by Imang William Azzhar and Dian Angga Saputra, the team traveled 9 kilometers from the 4ocean Java base to the cleanup site. What they found was disheartening—plastic bags, bottles, foam, and fabric waste tangled within thick grass, severely impeding water flow. Despite the challenging conditions, they got to work.
The team followed a structured process to ensure the cleanup was efficient and thorough. They began by clearing branches and grass to expose the waste underneath, making it easier to collect. Next, they gathered plastic waste and placed it into sacks for transport. Once the waste was collected, it was carefully sorted and weighed to measure the impact of their efforts. Finally, the team transported the waste to the 4ocean truck and delivered it to the 4ocean Java base for proper disposal.
By the end of the cleanup, the team had removed a staggering 491.8 pounds of waste from the ditch. This included 250.2 pounds of plastic waste—such as plastic bags, bottles, straws, and foam—as well as 241.6 pounds of non-plastic waste, including fabric and glass bottles.
One of the biggest obstacles the team faced was the dense grass, which made it difficult to retrieve waste trapped between the blades. To overcome this, they first cleared the grass, improving visibility and mobility before tackling the deeply embedded waste.
For Captain Saiful Kirom, this cleanup was another reminder of the importance of collective responsibility in protecting our environment.
“What we, the 4ocean team, are doing is truly incredible because it sets an example of how important it is to keep our environment clean. It is clear that pollution in waterways and on land is a direct result of our own waste disposal habits. The 4ocean Java team remains committed to consistent cleanups to create a positive impact. Thank you, 4ocean Indonesia!”
Despite efforts to clean up waterways, plastic pollution continues to be a major issue. Many people still treat ditches and rivers as dumping grounds, leading to devastating environmental consequences. The 4ocean team remains committed to tackling this problem, one cleanup at a time, in hopes of fostering long-term behavioral change in the community.
