PRESS RELEASE NO. 038/RELEASE/PLNIP/UBPSGL/2026
PLN Indonesia Power UBP Saguling Strengthens Collaboration with West Bandung Regency Government to Protect Saguling Reservoir from Water Hyacinth
West Bandung, June 30, 2026 – PT PLN Indonesia Power UBP Saguling, together with the West Bandung Regency Government, the Citarum River Basin Agency (BBWS Citarum), the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the Environmental Agency, district and village governments, and local communities, carried out a joint water hyacinth cleanup at Saguling Reservoir. This collaborative effort reflects a shared commitment to protecting the reservoir while maintaining its important role for local communities and Indonesia's national power system.
The cleanup was centered in Rancapanggung Village, Cililin District, and was carried out simultaneously at several other locations around Saguling Reservoir, including three sites in Cililin District and four sites in Cihampelas District. The activity was led by the Regent and Vice Regent of West Bandung and attended by representatives of the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda), BBWS Citarum, PLN Indonesia Power UBP Saguling, TNI, Polri, local government agencies, district and village officials, and members of the surrounding communities.
This activity is part of the ongoing annual program to control the spread of water hyacinth in Saguling Reservoir. In addition to removing the invasive aquatic plant, the program also strengthens cooperation among all stakeholders to preserve the reservoir's important functions as a renewable energy source, a water management facility, and a source of livelihood for local communities.
The rapid growth of water hyacinth, particularly in the Cililin area, indicates declining water quality caused by pollution flowing from upstream areas. The situation is further worsened by floating net cage (KJA) aquaculture, which produces leftover fish feed and organic waste that increase nutrient levels in the water. These high nutrient levels allow water hyacinth to grow rapidly, making it difficult to control without coordinated action.
The increasing spread of water hyacinth not only disrupts community activities around the reservoir but also accelerates sedimentation, reduces water quality, affects reservoir operations, and creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other disease-carrying organisms. It can also interfere with the reservoir's strategic functions as a hydropower plant, a water management facility, and an important source of income for local communities.
The cleanup operation involved heavy equipment such as excavators, pontoon boats, transport vehicles, and active participation from local communities and various government agencies. While the main focus is currently in Rancapanggung Village, cleanup activities are being conducted simultaneously at other locations to ensure the removal process is completed more quickly and efficiently.
Senior Manager of PLN Indonesia Power UBP Saguling, Mr. Doni Bakar, emphasized that cross-sector collaboration is essential to preserving Saguling Reservoir, which plays a vital role in both clean energy generation and environmental sustainability.
"PLN Indonesia Power UBP Saguling is committed to continuously supporting efforts to preserve Saguling Reservoir through close collaboration with the West Bandung Regency Government and all stakeholders. Saguling Reservoir is not only a source of renewable electricity but also serves important environmental and social functions. Protecting it is a shared responsibility that requires long-term commitment and cooperation," said Mr. Doni.
Meanwhile, West Bandung Regent Mr. Jeje Ritchie Ismail stressed that addressing the water hyacinth problem requires the involvement of all stakeholders, including government institutions, businesses, and local communities.
"We highly appreciate the support from PLN Indonesia Power UBP Saguling and all stakeholders who continue to work together in this initiative. Managing water hyacinth must be carried out consistently and sustainably because it is closely linked to environmental conservation, the long-term function of Saguling Reservoir, and the well-being of local communities. This spirit of mutual cooperation demonstrates that environmental challenges can be solved through strong collaboration," he said.
Through this joint initiative, PLN Indonesia Power UBP Saguling, the West Bandung Regency Government, and all stakeholders hope to further strengthen sustainable water hyacinth control efforts. This collaboration is expected to improve the environmental quality of Saguling Reservoir, protect its aquatic ecosystem, and ensure that the reservoir continues to function effectively as a hydropower source, flood control facility, water resource, and a vital support for local communities—contributing to Indonesia's energy security and sustainable development.
Media Contact
Taufan Kurniawan
Assistant Manager of Security & Public Relations
humas.sgl@plnindonesiapower.co.id
About PLN Indonesia Power
PT PLN Indonesia Power is the largest power generation company in Southeast Asia and serves as the generation subholding of PT PLN (Persero), Indonesia's state-owned electricity company. PLN Indonesia Power is committed to becoming a technology-driven, innovative, and future-oriented energy company, supporting The NEW PLN 4.0 – Unleashing Energy and Beyond.
