Epic 1,205km Run Raises Awareness of Bali's Plastic Crisis
Environmental organization Sungai Watch completed a 58-day fundraising run from Bali to Java, collecting 26,000kg of waste to combat plastic pollution. The initiative highlights Indonesia's ongoing struggle with ocean waste and the organization's mission to protect rivers and coastal ecosystems.
Sungai Watch, the environmental organization founded by siblings Gary, Sam, and Kelly Bencheghib, has completed an ambitious 58-day running journey across 1,205 kilometers from Bali to Java. The expedition collected over 26,000 kilograms of plastic waste along the route, drawing global attention to Indonesia's persistent battle with marine pollution. The team crossed the finish line at Monas in Jakarta, marking a significant milestone in their ongoing mission to protect rivers and prevent plastic from reaching ocean ecosystems.
The Bencheghib siblings have built their reputation on bold environmental activism. In 2017, brothers Gary and Sam gained international recognition by kayaking down the Citarum River in vessels constructed entirely from plastic bottles. Since then, the family has maintained a laser focus on exposing and solving Indonesia's waste crisis. Growing up in Bali, the three siblings developed a deep connection to the island and became determined to reverse the damage caused by unchecked plastic pollution.
Sungai Watch was officially established in 2020 with a clear objective: stop plastic waste from reaching the ocean by installing barriers in rivers, which serve as critical conduits between land and sea. The strategy has proven effective, with the organization now operating 368 barriers across Bali and Java. To date, these barriers have prevented more than 4.5 million kilograms of waste from contaminating ocean waters, demonstrating the power of targeted environmental intervention.
The organization has evolved far beyond its initial concept. Sungai Watch now employs 150 full-time team members dedicated to river cleanup operations. The group has developed nine sorting and processing facilities to properly manage collected waste, ensuring materials are handled responsibly. Additionally, Sungai Design, a furniture company that creates designer products from upcycled plastic, generates revenue to sustain Sungai Watch's operations and expand their environmental impact.
Despite these achievements, Indonesia continues to rank among the world's largest contributors to ocean plastic pollution. Java, the most densely populated island globally, faces particularly acute waste management challenges. This sobering reality motivated the Run for Rivers campaign, which transformed personal endurance into a platform for environmental advocacy. The expedition generated momentum for Sungai Watch's expansion and highlighted the urgency of addressing waste at the source.
The run's success demonstrates how Bali and Java residents, along with the international community, can unite around environmental protection. Media coverage of the initiative has amplified awareness of plastic pollution in Indonesia's rivers and coastal zones. As Sungai Watch continues scaling its barrier network and processing capabilities, the organization remains committed to proving that innovation, determination, and community engagement can reverse the tide of ocean plastic pollution.
For Bali residents and visitors, the work of Sungai Watch represents hope that meaningful change is possible. Supporting local environmental organizations and practicing responsible waste management are practical ways individuals can contribute to protecting Indonesia's rivers and seas for future generations.
