Chairman of Commission D of the Jakarta City Council, Yuke Yurike, supports the East Jakarta City Government's plan to involve the community in controlling suckerfish by providing incentives.

He assessed that the scheme is not only relevant to one issue but can also be expanded to other environmental programs. The incentives should be provided for waste management activities and public education to promote greater environmental awareness.

"There must be a stimulus to motivate the public. Those who care about and protect the environment deserve greater appreciation," she said, Wednesday (4/22).

Yuke added that the role of neighborhood associations (RT/RW) also needs to be optimized to encourage community participation. With incentives, she added, the community is expected to be more actively involved in environmental protection.

"We can not only rely on related agency or side. The public must be involved too," she added.

Yuke also highlighted the importance of controlling the suckerfish population, which is considered to be disrupting the balance of the river ecosystem. She explained that the fish is beneficial if its numbers are controlled, it can have negative impacts if overpopulated.

She also appreciated the control measures taken by the Jakarta Provincial Government. However, she cautioned that these efforts must be comprehensive and not solely focused on the suckerfish.

Sedimentation control in rivers and waterways requires attention because it is directly related to flood prevention. Furthermore, environmental conditions, including river basin areas, must also be maintained.

Vegetation management along riverbanks is crucial. Selecting the right plant species can help prevent abrasion and maintain ecosystem balance.

"Bamboo planting was once quite effective. However, watershed conditions have changed due to development," she continued.

Yuke reminded that the results of the suckerfish control program must be studied first before using them, whether as animal feed or fertilizer. This is crucial to ensure their safety.

"Because we don't know what's in it," she reminded.