Jamal A Nashr, Semarang – The Central Java Police have named two persons suspected of polluting Bengawan Solo River. They are identified as H, 36 years old, and J, 40 years old, residents of Polokarto District, Sukoharjo Regency, Central Java.

They were caught red-handed disposing of waste at 3 p.m. Friday, September 10.

"H and J violated the criminal law for dumping waste or materials to the environment without a permit," said Central Java Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Iqbal Alqudusy on Friday, September 17.

According to the police, the waste was brought from artisans of traditional alcoholic drinks known as ciu. They transported the waste using two cars to a pond located about 10 meters from Samin River, a tributary of Bengawan Solo River.

The police also seized the two cars, two storage tanks, a suction machine, and two hoses. The suspects and the evidence were taken to the Sukoharjo Resort Police Headquarters.

The police charged the suspects with Article 104 of Law No. 32 of 2009 concerning environment protection and or management. "With a maximum of three years in prison and a maximum fine of three billion rupiahs," said Iqbal.

Bengawan Solo River has been polluted since the last few weeks amid declining water flow due to drought. The water of the longest river on the Java island changed color and emitted an awful smell.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1507308/police-name-two-suspects-in-case-of-bengawan-solo-river-pollutio