C I T A R U M R I V E R
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Welcome to Citarum River!
This is the largest and longest river in West Java Province that originates from the upper region in Mount Wayang, Bandung District and travels for 297 km until it reaches its mouth in Muara Gembong, Karawang District passing through 13 Cities/ Regencies
Citarum in the Past
Historically, the Tarumanagara Kingdom - the oldest and largest Hindu Kingdom in West Java was first built by the edge of Citarum river by King Jayashingawarman. It was then used to supply water for the agricultural activities of the Tarumanagara community and also transportation structure. After the collapse of Taruma Kingdom, Citarum has become the natural boundary of the Sunda Kingdom and Galuh Kingdom. Then, in 15th Century, Citarum River was the administrative boundary between the Cirebon Sultanate and the Banten Sultanate.
Another interesting historical fact is that the 1945 Indonesian Independence Proclamation Texts were composed in a Citarum riverside house in Rengasdengklok, Karawang District. The house belonged to an Indonesian Chinese named Djiaw Kie Siong.
Citarum Now
The present Citarum is actually one of Indonesia's most strategic river as it is essential to the economical, social, cultural and hold an important role supporting agriculture, water supply, fishery, industry, sewerage, and electricity of the West Java population and also the urban population in the Capital of Jakarta. 3 large water reservoirs : Saguling, Cirata and Jatiluhur are built along the course of Citarum river as it pass through 13 Cities/Regencies such as Kota Bandung, Kota Cimahi, Kabupaten Purwakarta, Kabupaten Karawang, etc.
Ironically, Citarum is also known as one of the world's most polluted rivers along with Ganges River, Yangtze river, Jordan river,etc. The high rate of domestic activities and industrial activities are the main causes of pollution in Citarum. It currently has about 2,800+ industries along the river and it covers areas with a total estimated population of 30.5 million people.
Many efforts by the Government have been done to 'rescue' Citarum and presently we are starting to see a glimmer of hope!
Come join me as we drift to get to know the legendary Citarum River in the past and present. All Aboard!
Joko Widodo, President of Republic of Indonesia challenging Gary Bencheghib, the French film maker who made viral videos canoeing down Citarum River showing how polluted the river is in 2017.
"Gary, you will see that Citarum river in 7 years will be the cleanest river!!"
