The Indonesian Clean River Program (Prokasih) As Perceived By The People Residing Along The Rivers In Jakarta

ABSTRACT Recognizing the importance of clean river water, the Indonesian government began to implement a national clean river program in 1989. The program was commonly known as the Prokasih and concentrated on segments of rivers throughout Indonesia. The Prokasih has been considered successful because the pollutant concentrations in these segments have decreased. This study examines the Prokasih from the perspective of ordinary people. The study evaluates their perception of the easily observable characteristics of specific segments of three rivers participating in the Prokasih. These rivers are located in Jakarta, and they are the Ciliwung, Cipinang, and Mookervari rivers. The target respondents were the people living in close proximity to these rivers. Two important findings emerge from this study. First, people residing close to Ciliwung, Cipinang, and Mookervart rivers believe that, with regard to physical characteristics such as odor, color, mud (sediments), turbidity, suds (foam), trash, and flow, the river's conditions have worsened, even after the implementation of the Prokasih. Second, the majority of the people who reside along the three rivers and who are familiar with the Prokasih believe that the Prokasih has not played any positive role in preserving the river quality. From the two findings just mentioned, it can be concluded that river communities might not feel the benefits of a clean river program that is successful in lowering the technical parameters of water pollution, such as coliform, BOD, and COD. Kata Kunci.: clean river program - people residing - river - Jakarta - Environmen