Satpol PP has apprehended five men caught harvesting suckerfish (ikan sapu-sapu) along the banks of a Ciliwung river tributary in the Pasar Baru area of Central Jakarta. The men were allegedly collecting the fish to be processed as ingredients for siomai.
Citizen Reports Lead to Arrests
The operation was triggered by reports from local residents who grew suspicious of the men’s activities. Upon arrival, officers found the group cleaning the fish to separate the meat, eggs and skin.
Kasatpol PP Sawah Besar, Darwis Silitonga, stated that the group was secured after the community reported the suspicious behavior. The suspects were found processing the catch directly on the riverbanks.
Supply Chain to Cikarang
Investigations revealed that the five men are residents of Cikarang, Bekasi. Notably, only one individual among the group possessed a valid identity card (KTP).
The suspects admitted that the fish meat was sold to collectors in Cikarang to be used as a raw material for making siomai. To maximize their catch, the hunters specifically target river locations where water levels are receding or low.
Health Risks and Disposal
Satpol PP officials warned the men against selling the fish, citing the potential for the meat to contain substances dangerous to human health. The agency emphasized that such fish are not safe for consumption.
All seized catches were confiscated and destroyed by being buried. Officers also noted that the men had been carelessly discarding the fish skins on the riverbanks after extracting the meat and eggs.
Moving forward, authorities may increase surveillance of riverbanks during low-water periods to prevent further illegal harvesting. There is a possibility that officials could further investigate the collectors in Cikarang who purchase these materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the five men detained by Satpol PP?
They were detained for harvesting and processing suckerfish in the Pasar Baru area of Central Jakarta to be sold as ingredients for siomai.
Where did the suspects come from and where was the fish sent?
The five men are residents of Cikarang, Bekasi, and they sold the fish meat to collectors located in Cikarang.
How did Satpol PP dispose of the seized fish?
The entire catch was seized and destroyed by burying it in the ground.
Do you believe stricter monitoring of riverbanks is necessary to ensure food safety in urban markets?
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