The Regional Office of the Ministry of Human Rights (Kemenham) of East Kalimantan Province initiated a concrete action of environmental care through a clean river campaign in the Karang Mumus River (SKM), Samarinda. This activity combines water sports using a paddle board with the action of picking up floating waste along the river flow.
The Head of the Regional Office of the East Kalimantan Ministry of Human Rights, Umi Laila, emphasized that this initiative is a form of public education and a reminder that protecting environmental sustainability is an integral part of fulfilling human rights. According to her, every citizen has the right to a healthy environment, which simultaneously carries the responsibility to care for it.
The activity, which involved the Samarinda Paddle Board Community and the NGO "Gerakan Memungut Sehelai Sampah Sungai Karang Mumus" (GMSS-SKM - Pick Up a Piece of Trash from the Karang Mumus River Movement), was centered in the restoration area and the Karang Mumus River School (Sesukamu) in Muang Ilir. This action targeted plastic waste and floating debris that have the potential to clog water flows, damage the river ecosystem, and pollute the sea.
The Head of the Samarinda Paddle Board Community, Krisdiyanto, highlighted the importance of active community involvement in maintaining the river's function. Given that the SKM is a vital source of raw water for Samarinda residents, the accumulation of waste in the river body is considered highly dangerous as it can trigger flood risks and lower the quality of life of the surrounding community.
Through this activity, it is hoped that the public's mindset regarding the river as a source of life—rather than a waste disposal site—can be built. Synergy between the government, communities, and local residents is key to ensuring that the river's sustainability is maintained as a legacy for future generations.
