5 MIN READ
10-16-2024
Unclogging the Sawah Gede Channel: A Fight Against Flooding
Ihsan, 4ocean Crew Member
On October 3, 2024, our team gathered at the Sawah Gede channel in Jembrana, Indonesia, facing a daunting challenge. Following heavy floods that impacted farmlands and residential areas, we arrived to find the irrigation channel nearly suffocated under a mountain of trash—almost 1.5 meters thick in some places.
It was a heartbreaking sight, as the accumulated waste completely obstructed the flow of water, leading to severe flooding in nearby homes.
As we surveyed the area, it became clear how deeply rooted this issue is. The waste didn’t just appear overnight; it originated from a habit many have of throwing trash into drainage systems and irrigation channels. This pattern of behavior ultimately contributes to the larger problem of plastic pollution in our oceans.
Moreover, as plastic waste breaks down over time, microplastics can seep into the soil of the rice fields, where they can be absorbed by crops, further complicating its environmental impact. Our mission was not just to clean but to prevent this waste from making its way to the river and beyond.
Working tirelessly, our crew successfully removed a staggering 5,804.65 pounds of waste, including plastic bags, cups, PET bottles, and even glass bottles. As we cleared the channel, we noticed the immediate impact of our efforts: water began to flow freely again, preventing further flooding in the surrounding areas.
During our cleanup, we interacted with local residents who had been struggling with the flooding. One community member shared, “We’ve been dealing with this for too long. Thank you for coming to help us.” Their gratitude was heartwarming, and it reinforced the importance of our work. When we returned the following day, we were welcomed with coffee and snacks as a gesture of thanks for addressing their concerns.
However, the cleanup wasn’t without its challenges. The dense mixture of mud and trash made each step feel like a struggle. Fire ants were hidden within the debris, forcing us to tread carefully to avoid painful stings. Additionally, overgrown branches created significant blockages, but our team came prepared with tools to clear these obstacles.
Flooding is an ongoing issue in Indonesia, often exacerbated by human activities like illegal logging and careless waste disposal. Our efforts at the Sawah Gede channel are a reminder of how interconnected our actions are and the responsibility we share in protecting our environment.
With every piece of trash we removed, we took a step toward restoring not only the channel but also the delicate balance of our ecosystem.
