Preventing Ciliwung River Erosion, KLH Encourages Elo Tree Planting

DEPOK, GARISBUMI.com – The Ministry of the Environment/Environmental Control Agency (KLH/Environmental Management Agency (BPLH)) is encouraging the planting of elo trees to strengthen the banks of the Ciliwung River which are vulnerable to eroding. The character of the tree's roots is considered to be able to grip the soil down to the lower layers so that it has the potential to help prevent erosion.

This idea was conveyed by Deputy Minister of the Environment and Deputy Head of Environmental Management Agency (BPLH) Diaz Hendropriyono after walking along the Ciliwung River to commemorate World Rivers Day 2026, Sunday (27/9/2026).

The warning was filled with river care actions which were held simultaneously at nine points, starting from the Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi areas to Surabaya and Bali.

"We see that the Ciliwung River is slightly susceptible to erosion. So, it is necessary to plant elo trees on the riverbanks to prevent this. These elo trees have roots that can reach down and are more effective in preventing erosion. After that, we can plant bamboo too," said Diaz.

According to him, planting strong rooted vegetation is necessary to strengthen the soil structure along the banks. This step can also be combined with bamboo planting as part of restoring river ecosystems.

Diaz also highlighted the existence of broomstick fish which are often found in the Ciliwung River. The invasive fish is said to have made holes below the water surface on the banks, which is thought to have affected the stability of the land.

"One of the things that has an impact on this erosion is the broomstick fish. This fish makes holes under the water around the riverbanks. So, we appreciate the many activists who are cleaning the Ciliwung River from this invasive fish," he said.