PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The book Citarum Harum: Caring for Rivers Saving Lives, was officially launched in a series of events at the 10th World Water Forum (WWF) in Nusa Dua, Badung Regency, Bali, Monday (20/5/2024) evening.

The book, which records stories of struggle and success in overcoming pollution and restoring life to one of the most important rivers in Indonesia, was launched directly by the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, who is also the Chair of the 10th WWF National Organizing Committee Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan.

Also accompanying him was the Acting Governor of West Java, who is also the Commander of the Citarum Harum Task Force Bey Machmudin and was also attended by 23 Citarum Harum Sector Commanders.

Luhut said that the book Citarum Harum tells about the process of controlling pollution and damage along the Citarum watershed.

Once called the dirtiest river in the world, now the condition of the Citarum River is much better.

"This book is good, we will hand it over to the President. This is what we have done according to the President's orders," said Luhut.

Since it was launched in 2018, the Citarum Harum Program is targeted for completion in 2025-2026 in accordance with Presidential Decree Number 15 of 2018 concerning the Acceleration of Control of Pollution and Damage to the Citarum Watershed.

Until this year, the Citarum Harum Program has succeeded in making the 297 kilometer long river clean again.

"Several times we reviewed the progress (of the Citarum River) and now it is finished. This is thanks to team work. Of course it is still not perfect, but I am sure that if it continues it will solve many problems," said Luhut.

At the launch of the book, Luhut appreciated, especially the Citarum Harum Sector Dansectors who endlessly work in the field cleaning up rubbish and educating the public.

The role of the sector is also very important when taking action against rogue industries that dump their waste into the Citarum River.

"I especially thank the Dansector who works in the field. Their job is not only to clean the Citarum environment, but also to educate our people not to throw rubbish and waste into the river and punish naughty industries that throw their waste into the river," said Luhut.

The book Citarum Harum: Caring for Rivers Saving Lives also has an Indonesian version with the same title, namely Citarum Harum: Caring for Rivers Saving Lives.

Written by several partners, the book tells about the history of the Citarum River, its functions, problems and the efforts that have been made together to restore the river.
This book is prepared in a popular style, full of illustrations and contains before-after photos of Citarum conditions.

Acting Governor of West Java Bey Machmudin hopes that the book Citarum Harum can be a lesson and inspiration for future generations.

Apart from that, the success of the Citarum Harum Program can also be replicated by other regions both within and outside the country that have similar problems.

His party is also committed to never stop preserving the Citarum River because it has many benefits for human life.

"Hopefully this book can be a source of inspiration and learning. We are committed to keeping the Citarum fragrant and hope it can be replicated on other rivers in Indonesia.