ESG-IN Removes 3 Tons of Waste in First River Cleanup Activity in Indonesia

ESG-IN successfully conducted its first river cleanup activity in Indonesia on May 23, 2026, marking the beginning of its environmental action initiatives in the country.

The cleanup took place along a village irrigation river in Kampung Kelor, Sepatan Timur, Tangerang Regency. Over a six-hour operation, ten participants worked together to remove accumulated waste from the river and surrounding areas.

Why ESG-IN Came to Indonesia

ESG-IN was created with a simple belief: meaningful environmental change begins with individual action.

As the platform expands its ecosystem in Indonesia, ESG-IN aims not only to reward positive behavior through digital technology but also to participate directly in real-world environmental activities that create measurable impact.

River pollution remains one of the environmental challenges affecting many communities across Indonesia. To better understand these challenges and contribute directly to local solutions, ESG-IN organized its first river cleanup activity together with local participants.

A More Serious Situation Than Expected

Before the cleanup began, the team expected to encounter plastic waste and household garbage along the river.

However, the actual condition of the river was far more severe than anticipated.

Large quantities of plastic packaging, food containers, household waste, and mixed debris had accumulated throughout the waterway. In some areas, waste had built up over a long period of time, restricting water flow and affecting the surrounding environment.

The scale of the pollution became immediately apparent once participants entered the river and began removing the accumulated waste.

More Than 3 Tons of Waste Collected

From 09:00 to 15:00, participants worked continuously to collect and remove waste from the river.

By the end of the activity, approximately 3 tons of garbage had been removed from the site.

The collected waste filled more than a truckload, demonstrating the magnitude of the pollution problem and the urgent need for continued environmental action.

The cleanup operation revealed how quickly waste can accumulate when regular maintenance and community engagement are lacking. At the same time, it showed how collective effort can create visible change within a relatively short period of time.

Safety Remained the Highest Priority

During the cleanup, participants encountered strong odors and gas emissions generated by long-term waste accumulation and stagnant water.

As work progressed, the ESG-IN team became increasingly concerned about participant safety.

For this reason, several high-risk areas and sections of the riverbank were intentionally excluded from the cleanup operation. Although this meant that some waste remained, ESG-IN believes that environmental action should never come at the expense of participant health and safety.

The experience also highlighted the importance of improved safety equipment, operational procedures, and risk management for future activities.

Visible Change, But More Work Ahead

By the end of the cleanup, the river showed clear signs of improvement.

Large volumes of floating waste had been removed, water flow was restored in several sections, and areas previously hidden beneath accumulated garbage became visible again.

However, the activity also demonstrated that environmental challenges of this scale cannot be solved through a single event.

The amount of waste collected during one day of work reflected years of accumulated pollution. Sustainable improvement will require continued participation from local communities, organizations, businesses, and environmental stakeholders.

The Beginning of a Long-Term Commitment

This activity represents the first step in ESG-IN's long-term commitment to environmental action in Indonesia.

Moving forward, ESG-IN plans to continue supporting cleanup activities, environmental campaigns, and community-based initiatives that encourage positive action and measurable impact.

Environmental change does not happen overnight.

But every meaningful change begins with a single action.