Teluk, a picturesque fishing village in Indonesia's Banten province on the western edge of Java island, is grappling with an escalating trash problem. Heavy rains this year have intensified tides, washing more plastic waste ashore and piling up on one of the country's dirtiest beaches.
For Solikah, a 58-year-old housewife who has lived in Teluk for four decades, the sight is heartbreaking. \"You can't predict the weather,\" she lamented, pointing to the growing mounds of waste near her home.
The Indonesian meteorological agency anticipates a milder dry season this year, which is expected to start later than usual in May and June. Despite this forecast, the community continues to face challenges as unpredictable weather patterns disrupt their lives.
Fikri Jufri, who leads a local beach-cleaning initiative, explained that annual rains and strong winds carry trash from the sea to the shore. \"Every year, the rain and wind carry trash from the sea to the shore,\" he said. Plastic waste, including biscuit and toothbrush cases, instant noodle packages, and even sandals, regularly washes up on the beach where villagers reside.
Indonesia is one of the world's largest contributors of plastic waste to the oceans, and Teluk is a stark example of this global issue. Last year, a video of young environmentalists removing tonnes of trash from Teluk's beaches went viral on TikTok, highlighting the community's efforts to combat pollution.
The environmental crisis is not just a matter of aesthetics; it directly impacts the livelihoods of local fishermen. Jayadi, a 33-year-old fisherman, expressed his concerns about the unpredictable weather. High tides during the rainy season prevent him from going out to fish, threatening his income just as his family prepares to celebrate the upcoming Islamic Eid al-Fitr festival. \"Many villagers will cry because they cannot buy rice if the weather continues like this,\" he said. Last year, calmer seas allowed fishermen to catch fish and squids, but this year's harsher conditions are putting that hope in jeopardy.
The situation in Teluk underscores the broader environmental challenges faced by coastal communities in Indonesia and around the world. As plastic waste continues to clog beaches and disrupt traditional ways of life, the need for sustainable solutions becomes ever more critical.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
