Seputarkarawang.com - Karawang, The Karawang Regency Environmental Service (DLH) moved quickly to respond to residents' reports regarding suspected river flow pollution in Kutanegara Village, Ciampel District. The river flow suddenly changed color to murky white, which is strongly suspected to be due to the discharge of industrial liquid waste. A DLH technical team has been dispatched to the location to take water samples for in-depth laboratory tests.The Head of DLH Karawang, Asep Suryana, confirmed that field checks had been carried out since last Friday. However, his party cannot conclude the level of danger or substance content in the water before the lab results come out. "After taking the samples, we are still waiting for the laboratory test results. The laboratory test process is estimated to take around 14 days," said Asep when contacted, Saturday (28/3/2026).
The news about the change in color of the river water previously went viral on social media. In a widely circulated video recording, residents accused the waste of coming from one of the large paper factories in the area, namely PT Pindo Deli 4 (Sinarmas Group) which is located in Mulyasari Village. The video shows an unnatural contrast in the color of the water, triggering residents' concerns about the impact on the health and ecosystem of the river.The red note regarding alleged pollution by this group of companies is not the first time this has happened. Previously, in June 2025, another unit, namely PT Pindo Deli 1 in East Karawang, was also involved in a similar case after the Citarum River changed its color to turquoise. At that time, residents even reported that many fish were found drunk due to waste coming out of the factory drain. The results of laboratory tests over the next two weeks will be the legal basis for DLH Karawang to determine sanctions or further firm action. If it is proven that there has been a violation of environmental quality standards, DLH promises to trace the main source of the waste leak. Residents are advised to remain calm and temporarily avoid using the murky river water until there is an official statement regarding its safety level.
