The Urgent Need to Address Plastic Pollution in the Ciliwung River
The Ciliwung River, once a source of life and livelihood for the people of Jakarta, has now become one of the most polluted rivers in the world. This alarming fact was revealed in a recent study, leaving Tiza Mafira, a Jakarta native, heartbroken. Tiza, who has always been passionate about the environment, witnessed the devastating effects of plastic pollution on her hometown. This experience fueled her determination to make a difference. Tiza's commitment to environmental conservation started from a young age and continued throughout her education at Harvard Law School. Armed with knowledge and a deep sense of responsibility, she embarked on a career as a lawyer, specializing in environmental law. However, Tiza soon realized that legal action alone would not be enough to tackle the plastic pollution crisis in Jakarta. Driven by her passion and a desire for tangible change, Tiza co-founded the Gerakan Indonesia Diet $\bar {k}$ Plastik (GIDKP), also known as The Indonesia Plastic Bag Diet Movement. This grassroots organization aims to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of plastic pollution and promote sustainable alternatives. Through education campaigns, community engagement, and policy advocacy, GIDKP strives to create a plastic-free future for Jakarta and beyond. The urgency to address plastic pollution in the Ciliwung River cannot be overstated. The river, once a lifeline for communities, is now choked with plastic waste, endangering both human and marine life. Plastic debris clogs the riverbanks, obstructing the flow of water and increasing the risk of flooding during the rainy season. Moreover, the toxic chemicals released by plastic waste pose a serious threat to the health of those living along the river. Tiza and GIDKP are working tirelessly to combat this crisis. They organize clean-up drives along the riverbanks, engaging volunteers from all walks of life. These efforts not only remove plastic waste from the river but also raise awareness among the local community about the importance of waste management and recycling. In addition to community engagement, GIDKP advocates for policy changes to reduce plastic consumption and promote sustainable alternatives. They collaborate with local government officials, businesses, and other stakeholders to implement plastic bag bans, promote reusable alternatives, and improve waste management infrastructure. Through these collective efforts, Tiza and GIDKP are making significant strides towards a cleaner and healthier Ciliwung River. However, the battle against plastic pollution is far from over. Tiza's journey is a testament to the power of individual action and collective responsibility. She believes that everyone has a role to play in protecting the environment and that small changes in daily habits can make a big difference. By reducing our reliance on single-use plastics, supporting initiatives like GIDKP, and advocating for sustainable practices, we can contribute to the restoration of the Ciliwung River and the preservation of our planet. In conclusion, the Ciliwung River's alarming pollution levels demand immediate action. Tiza Mafira's dedication to environmental conservation and her role as the co-founder of GIDKP exemplify the power of grassroots movements in addressing plastic pollution. Through community engagement, policy advocacy, and individual responsibility, we can work towards a plastic-free future for the Ciliwung River and beyond. Let us join hands and take a stand against plastic pollution, for the sake of our environment and future generations.