Preventing Ciliwung River Erosion, KLH Encourages Elo Tree Planting

Microhydro Potential of the Ciliwung River

Apart from efforts to prevent erosion, KLH/Environmental Management Agency (BPLH) sees the potential for utilizing the Ciliwung River flow for micro-hydro power plants (PLTMH). This technology produces electricity on a small scale by utilizing the discharge and differences in water flow height.

However, Diaz believes that the cleanliness and quality of river water must be improved first before the energy potential is developed.

"We also discussed the use of water discharge. The Ciliwung River's water discharge is strong enough that it can be used for white water rafting. This means that there is elevation here and we can develop it into micro-hydro," he said.

The initial steps required, continued Diaz, include installing trash booms or trash barriers as well as building artificial wetlands to help absorb pollutants. New micro-hydro development can be considered once river conditions are favorable.

"The first step may need to be a trash boom, then we create a wetland to absorb pollutants. After that, we will develop micro-hydro," he said.

Garbage and Buildings at the Border are Still in the Spotlight

Diaz reminded that rivers have two sides to people's lives. Rivers can provide water, support ecosystems and produce energy, but they can also be a source of disaster if they are polluted and their flow is disturbed.

During the search, he still found rubbish and buildings in the Ciliwung River border area. Therefore, it is hoped that the commemoration of World Rivers Day will not stop as a ceremonial activity, but will encourage changes in people's behavior.