Nusa Dua, May 21, 2024 – The Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, launched the book 'Citarum Harum: Caring for Rivers, Saving Lives' on the sidelines of the 10th World Water Forum at Laguna Resort & Spa, ITDC Nusa Dua, Bali, on Monday evening (5/20/024).

"The Citarum Harum program involves many parties to conserve the river basin and combat pollution in the surrounding area," said Coordinating Minister Luhut.

The book 'Citarum Harum: Caring for Rivers Saving Lives' describes the long journey to improve the 297 km long river through the Citarum Harum Program. This program is an attempt to save the Citarum River, which was declared one of the most polluted rivers in the world five years ago.

Due to the Citarum Harum program, the pollution index of the Citarum River is now declining. From an initial heavily polluted status, the Citarum River has now changed to a slightly polluted status.

The book Citarum Harum contains the story of how the river program has become a symbol of the government's successful process in dealing with the problems of water resource in Indonesia. It is hoped that the story of the river, which crosses 13 districts/cities in West Java, will provide knowledge for future generations.

It is also hoped that the process of efforts to restore the cleanliness of the river, as described in the book Citarum Harum, will provide good knowledge of the water and the surrounding environment, as well as inspiring solutions for the management of river water areas (DAS).

The Minister of Public Works and Housing (MPWH) and Vice Chairman of the National Organizing Committee of the 10th World Water Forum, Basuki Hadimuljono, in his remarks in the book, fully supports Citarum Harum and appreciates the synergy of the various parties for the success of the program.

The Acting Governor of West Java, Bey Machmudin, who was also present at the book launch, expressed his pride in the success of the Citarum Harum program.

"Proof of the success of Citarum Harum is the reduction of the pollution level of the Citarum River from the heavily polluted category to the slightly polluted category," said Bey Machmudin. (Tabitha Angelica/Ayu Sulistyowati/Firda Puri)