Siblings Run Across Indonesia to Battle Plastic Pollution Crisis

A trio of siblings is running across Indonesia to fight plastic pollution. Sam Bencheghib, along with his brother Garry and sister Kelly, founded Sungai Watch in 2020 to clean up Bali’s rivers. Their latest campaign aims to raise one million dollars to remove one million kilograms of trash from waterways across the country. Sungai Watch has spent six years tackling Indonesia’s plastic crisis. The team cleans hundreds of rivers daily, stopping millions of kilograms of waste from reaching the ocean. Their efforts come as Indonesia remains the world’s second-largest contributor to ocean plastic pollution, trailing only China.

The activists have taken drastic measures to highlight the issue. During their cross-country run, they dive into sewers to clear blockages. So far, they’ve covered 1,200 kilometres, drawing attention to the scale of the problem. The group has also mapped 350 illegal dumpsites on Bali alone. These sites worsen pollution, with plastic waste breaking down into microplastics that contaminate rainwater. A 2022 study by Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) confirmed microplastics fall with rainfall, prompting warnings to wear cotton masks during downpours. While the Indonesian government has promised action, progress has been slow. Sungai Watch continues its work, pushing for stronger measures to curb plastic waste.

The siblings’ campaign targets both awareness and funding. Their goal of removing one million kilograms of trash would mark a major step in reducing Indonesia’s plastic pollution. Meanwhile, experts stress the need for broader solutions to address the ongoing crisis.