Cover image via @sungaiwatch (Instagram)
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Every day, the team at Sungai Watch wades through piles of garbage floating down Indonesia's rivers, and what they find isn't just plastic waste
A recent video shared by the non-profit group revealed the heartbreaking reality of their cleanup patrols: dead animals are often found trapped among heaps of rubbish.
"Cats and dogs smell the worst. We find at least one dead animal every day. Every barrier will have a dead animal," said Wayan Andreas, one of the team members.
From cats, dogs, ducks, and pigs to chickens and rats, their patrols have uncovered it all, tossed in plastic bags or floating beside heaps of trash
The stench, they say, is unforgettable.
"You shouldn't throw dead animals in the river. Apart from polluting the water, it also releases a rotting smell to the surrounding area. People should bury them instead," another member shared.
Despite the grim scenes and overwhelming smell, the team continues its mission, removing everything from plastic bottles and diapers to animal carcasses, in an effort to protect life downstream
They also regularly find electronics, children's toys, pillows, wallets, and handbags among the waste — a stark reminder of how far human detritus can travel.
Founded in 2020 by siblings Gary, Kelly, and Sam Bencheghib, Sungai Watch began as a small project in Bali and has now grown into a movement with 155 'river warriors' working day-in, day out
Their mission is to stop plastic from reaching the ocean by catching it at its source.
Sungai Watch's founders.
Image via Sungai Watch
According to their published numbers, they have installed over 300 floating barriers across Indonesia and collected more than 3.5 million kg of plastic waste, of which around 36% is plastic bags.
Through their sister company, Sungai Design, the team turns low-value plastic into beautiful, functional furniture, including the striking Ombak Seater, a lounge chair made from 2,000 upcycled plastic bags
The money raised from these creations helps fund even more cleanups across Indonesia.
Sungai Watch regularly hosts education and cleanup events with local schools, runs emergency cleanups at illegal dump sites and along riverbanks, and campaigns for better waste management enforcement.
Their goal is to install 1,000 barriers across the country, cleaning the world's most polluted rivers, one stream at a time.
You can donate, volunteer, or sponsor a barrier to support their efforts.
Follow Sungai Watch on Instagram or visit their website to learn more about how to make a difference.
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