Jakarta to Eradicate Suckerfish: Pramono Orders Urgent Action
- Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has ordered a citywide crackdown on the suckermouth catfish, known locally as sapu-sapu, to protect the capital's aquatic ecosystems and public health.
- The directive follows observations by the Governor of fish-catching operations in the city center, including areas near Plaza Indonesia and the Grand Hyatt.
- The suckermouth catfish is an invasive species originating from South America.
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has ordered a citywide crackdown on the suckermouth catfish, known locally as sapu-sapu, to protect the capital’s aquatic ecosystems and public health. The Governor announced on April 14, 2026, that he will hold a special meeting with all mayors in Jakarta to coordinate the eradication of the invasive species.
The directive follows observations by the Governor of fish-catching operations in the city center, including areas near Plaza Indonesia and the Grand Hyatt. On April 10, 2026, a cleanup operation was conducted in the Cideng River, involving 100 joint personnel from the Jakarta Food Security, Marine Affairs and Agriculture Office (KPKP) and the Central Jakarta Gulkarmat office.
Ecological and Infrastructure Threats
The suckermouth catfish is an invasive species originating from South America. Governor Anung described the fish as having extraordinary resilience and a high survival rate due to its ability to consume almost any available food source. This adaptability allows the species to dominate waterways and outcompete native fish.
The Governor noted that the fish acts as a predator to local species, such as the wader fish (Rasbora jacobsoni), by consuming their food sources and displacing them from the natural ecosystem.
Beyond the biological impact, the species is reportedly damaging city infrastructure. The Governor stated that the fish create holes in riverbanks to establish homes, which leads to the degradation of river embankments and levees.
Public Health Concerns
The provincial government has raised alarms regarding the potential health risks associated with the fish. Because suckermouth catfish feed on nearly anything in polluted waterways, they may ingest contaminated materials.
Governor Anung warned that the flesh of these fish may contain harmful contaminants, making them potentially dangerous to human health.
Because it eats almost anything, it is potentially dangerous. Its flesh may contain harmful contaminants.
Governor Pramono Anung
Coordination and Future Strategy
The Jakarta Provincial Government is seeking to implement a serious and coordinated approach to the removal of the species across all administrative regions of the city. The Governor expressed his hope that Jakarta’s efforts in managing this invasive species could serve as a role model for other regions.
To ensure the success of the crackdown, the government plans to:
- Strengthen coordination between various government agencies.
- Increase public awareness to prevent the further spread of the species.
- Utilize Public Infrastructure and Facilities Handling (PPSU) officers in removal efforts.
- Hold specialized meetings with mayors to ensure every district is actively involved in the eradication process.
The Governor emphasized that the provincial government appreciates the ongoing efforts of the Central Jakarta mayor and PPSU officers, but stressed that a broader, sustained effort is necessary to ensure the safety of the city’s aquatic environment.