TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Yogyakarta Department of Marine and Fisheries launched a concerted effort on Thursday, May 7, 2026, to eradicate the suckermouth catfish or "janitor fish" population concentrated in the Rawa Kalibayem area of Bantul Regency. This initiative is deemed necessary for the preservation of the local aquatic ecosystem, particularly within the region's river networks.
The janitor fish, locally known as ikan sapu-sapu, are identified as an invasive species whose presence has led to a drastic decline in native fish populations over time. "These sapu-sapu fish are invasive and act as high-impact predators that dominate their environment, yet they face minimal pressure from natural predators," stated Heri Sulistio Hermawan, Head of the Yogyakarta Department of Marine and Fisheries, on Thursday.
Heri explained that the janitor fish have caused native populations to decline due to their habit of preying on the eggs of other species. During the initial netting operations to capture the fish, thousands were successfully removed from the water.
Furthermore, the department will conduct a series of laboratory analyses on the captured fish. These tests will screen for heavy metal contamination, E. coli bacteria, and nutritional density to determine the potential for future utilization. The laboratory findings will serve as a crucial safety benchmark before any further decisions are made.
Should the results indicate that the fish meet safety standards, the department will consider repurposing them into beneficial products, such as fertilizer, animal feed, or fish meal, in a bid to support the aquaculture industry. Conversely, if the fish are found to be contaminated or harmful, the department will issue public warnings against their consumption.
The population explosion of janitor fish in Rawa Kalibayem is strongly suspected to have originated from ornamental fish enthusiasts who release their pets into open waters once they lose interest. "In the future, we will conduct an inventory to continue similar cleansing activities across various rivers in the Yogyakarta region to restore the sustainability of our inland waters," Heri said.
He also urged the public to refrain from indiscriminately releasing invasive species that can disrupt and destabilize local ecosystems.
Read: Suckermouth Catfish Surge Signals Ecological Alarm in Jakarta's Rivers
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