The effort to overcome waste problems in the capital city keeps being conducted by Jakarta Provincial Government. This time, together with a Chinese company, Jakarta Provincial Government is planning to cultivate bacteria that have the ability to decompose wastes or sediments buildup on the riverbed. For the initial step, the trial for the wastes decomposing process will be conducted in the creek of Ciliwung River for as long as 1 kilometer, right in front of the State Palace.
Jakarta Deputy Governor Basuki T Purnama said he intentionally invited the Chinese company that conducted a presentation at State Secretariat regarding the cultivation of wastes decomposing bacteria. “The river will be crystal clear. All dirt, mud, and any kinds of oil inside the river will be gone so the water would be clear. In China, such thing exists,” stated Basuki at the City Hall, Saturday (11/3).
Eventually, the wastes will be decomposed with micro trash-eating bacteria, which are safe for the community. “The micro trash-eating bacteria could decompose wastes, and they are safe for human. We want to do something for the citizens. Just imagine, the river in front of the State Palace is that dirty,” said Basuki.
Head of Jakarta Cleanliness Department, Eko Bharuna, explained that the cultivated bacteria will be injected to the river, so it could eat the sediment buildup on the riverbed. The bacteria also have the ability to eat organic as well as inorganic wastes. “Later, the blackened water would become clear. The bacteria also have the ability to eliminate odor,” he uttered.
According to Bharuna, this project will be on trial for three months and conducted in Ciliwung River creek in front of the State Palace. If succeeded, the program will be continued to other rivers in Jakarta. “We will check the result. If it is satisfying, the bacteria could be used for all rivers in Jakarta,” he added.
Currently, matters relating to price are yet discussed. This is because the government will first check the amount of wastes existed in Jakarta and the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) made between Jakarta Provincial Government and the Chinese company. “We have not spoken about price, but they (the Chinese company) will calculate first, because the condition of each country is different,” uttered Bharuna.
Bharuna also informed that the river water which has been cleaned up with the bacteria could be used as raw water in Jakarta. If the trial goes well, the bacteria will also be used on dams in Jakarta.