BRIN Researcher Explains Muara Angke Trash Pile Sources
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14 July 2023 21:47 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Marine Pollution Researcher at Research Center for Oceanography, The Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Reza Cordova explained where the 3km long trash pile at the Muara Angke Mangrove Forest, Jakarta, came from. According to BRIN's research, the source of trapped garbages in the mangrove forest was nearby, around 10 to 30 kilometer from the area. "This trash came from Kaliadem, around Kali Pluit, and Kali Marunda," said Reza, as quoted by Antara, on Wednesday, July 12, 2023.
According to Reza, if left unattended this condition could be a danger not only to the mangrove forest but also the surrounding ecosystem. Therefore, Reza urged stakeholders to work together to localize the trash before it piles up in the Muara Angke Mangrove Forest area. "Why this measure? Because our research stated that plastic waste entering the Jakarta Bay alone could reach 1 ton per day," Reza stressed.
If they reach the sea, the trash will accumulate and pile up at the beach, most of the mangroves' habitat. Muara Angke, at the fringe of Jakarta, is the last great area for mangroves in North Jakarta, since it has a strong ability to tie down mangrove roots.
Meanwhile, the reason why trash are trapped at the Muara Angke Mangrove Forest is related to the unique nature of the area. Muara Angke has a great flushing rate, however, the man-made island located right in front of it disturbed its flushing rate. So, the trash entering the area became trapped. "At riptides, the trash becomes trapped," said Reza.
Reza also explained that the uniqueness of the Indonesian climate could cause the trash to continue "attacking" Jakarta's land. Currently, Indonesia has entered the dry season, but the intensity of rain in Jakarta has not been decreasing. With rain, materials including garbages will drift along with the river flows. This will cause trash to accumulate in Muara Angke. "Not only Muara Angke beach, but other Jakarta coast areas," he added.
ANTARA
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