Enviro News Asia, Jakarta— Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH) has sealed a wastewater discharge outlet operated by PT Mega Surya Eratama along the Porong River in Mojokerto Regency, East Java, following public complaints over suspected river pollution.
The enforcement action was taken after KLH/BPLH conducted a field investigation in cooperation with the Mojokerto Environmental Agency (DLH). The investigation included comprehensive sampling of wastewater and river water on July 22 and 23, 2026.
Laboratory tests found several water quality parameters exceeding permitted standards, including Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Coliform bacteria and oil and grease.
Head of the Surabaya Environmental Law Enforcement Center, Arief Hilman Arda, said the laboratory findings formed an important part of the verification process into suspected environmental pollution caused by wastewater discharge into the Porong River.
“Based on testing of samples collected by the inspection team and the Mojokerto Environmental Agency, several water quality parameters were found to exceed the required quality standards,” Arief said.
The investigation was conducted by inspectors from the Environmental Law Enforcement Center for Java, Bali and Nusa Tenggara together with the Mojokerto Environmental Agency.
Following the findings, KLH/BPLH took immediate measures to stop the potential source of further pollution. Inspectors halted wastewater discharge through the outlet leading to the Porong River and installed official environmental enforcement markers and a violation cessation notice.
The wastewater outlet was subsequently closed to prevent further discharge while the alleged environmental violation is being investigated and handled under applicable environmental regulations.
Arief said the action was intended to prevent the suspected pollution from continuing and potentially causing further environmental damage to the river.
Director of Environmental Complaints and Supervision at KLH/BPLH Ardyanto Nugroho emphasized that businesses have a legal responsibility to ensure their wastewater management and discharge activities comply with environmental regulations.
“Every business activity must ensure that wastewater management and discharge are carried out in accordance with applicable laws and do not cause environmental pollution,” Ardyanto said.
He added that KLH/BPLH would follow up on the alleged violation according to its authority and the applicable legal framework.
The ministry said the field verification, sampling, laboratory testing and suspension of the wastewater discharge form part of the environmental law enforcement process.
KLH/BPLH also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening environmental monitoring and taking firm and measured enforcement action against businesses found to violate regulations and cause impacts on environmental quality.
The government said the action at the Porong River is intended not only to address the alleged pollution but also to encourage businesses to strengthen environmental compliance and adopt sustainable operational practices. (*)
