Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has reaffirmed the Jakarta Provincial Government’s commitment to addressing the growing population of suckermouth catfish, which has become increasingly concerning in the city.

According to Pramono, the invasive species will be handled seriously throughout Jakarta. He said the administration will soon hold a special meeting to discuss measures to tackle the issue.

"In the near future, the Jakarta administration will hold a special meeting on suckermouth catfish. I will ask all mayors, except those in the Thousand Islands, to address this issue, as the impacts are already being felt," Pramono said in East Jakarta on Tuesday (4/14).

The surge in suckermouth catfish populations in Jakarta's rivers has had negative impacts on both the local ecosystem and infrastructure. This invasive species preys on small native freshwater fish and dominates available food sources.

In addition, the fish's burrowing behavior, which involves digging into riverbanks to build nests, has contributed to damage to river embankments across Jakarta.

"Therefore, we will handle this issue seriously, and hopefully Jakarta can serve as a role model," Pramono asserted.

He added that efforts carried out in Central Jakarta could serve as a model for other areas in controlling the species.

"The handling of suckermouth catfish in front of Plaza Indonesia can serve as a model for similar efforts in other locations,” he noted.