An extreme drought across Kabupaten Pati, Central Java, has caused severe water depletion in the Silugonggo River, also known as the Juwana River, in Bungasrejo Village, Jakenan District. According to local reports, the dropping water levels over a two-week period centered around the Juana River Rubber Dam have left thousands of sailfin catfish—locally called tokek fish—stranded and dead in the dry riverbed.
Catfish Harvested for Feed Amid Extreme Weather
While the riverbed has turned into a graveyard for thousands of fish, the event has unexpectedly drawn fish gatherers from as far away as East Java. Wahyu, a fish farmer from Kabupaten Lamongan, traveled to Pati with his team after spotting viral information on social media. Using two specialized refrigerated box trucks, the group set out to collect the dead sailfin catfish to process into catfish feed for their own ponds.
“Kami datang enam orang dari Lamongan sejak kemarin jam dua pagi karena tahu dari Facebook yang viral itu. Ikan sapu-sapu ini kami kumpulkan untuk diolah menjadi pakan lele di kolam sendiri,” said Wahyu, describing their early morning arrival on site.
Wahyu and his five team members waded through the river mud starting at dawn. He noted that despite the fish being dead, the meat remains completely suitable and safe for catfish feed formulation. The mass mortality was driven strictly by natural conditions, specifically the intense sun heating and drying out the water.
The collection effort yielded between three and four ton of sailfin catfish in just a single day. This rapid scavenging inadvertently helped clear the surrounding area of a strong, foul odor. One 12-ton capacity box truck belonging to the group filled up completely and prepared for the return trip to Lamongan, while a second vehicle waited to load its share.
Did You Know? Locals in Kabupaten Pati frequently refer to the sailfin catfish found in the Silugonggo River as “tokek fish” due to their appearance.
Riverbed Transforms Into Impromptu Tourism Spot
Beyond functioning as a collection site for animal feed, the dry Juwana River has transformed into an impromptu tourist attraction. Each afternoon, hundreds of local residents and dozens of street vendors crowd the rubber dam area to hunt for content across TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. The riverbanks are now packed with people socializing, taking selfies, and viewing the sunset over the dry river landscape.
Novi, a visitor from Juwana District, stated that she traveled to the site out of curiosity after seeing videos of the phenomenon appear frequently on her TikTok FYP.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the fish to die in the Silugonggo River?
The mass death of sailfin catfish was caused by extreme drought and heat that severely reduced water levels in the river, leaving the fish stranded and exposed to high temperatures.
Where did the fish collectors come from?
Fish collectors, including a group led by Wahyu, traveled from Kabupaten Lamongan in East Java after learning about the stranded fish through viral social media posts.
How are visitors utilizing the dried river area?
Aside from gathering fish for animal feed, hundreds of local residents and street vendors visit the rubber dam area in the afternoons to take photos, socialize, and record social media content.
How might local authorities manage sudden tourist crowds gathering around environmentally stressed riverbeds during ongoing dry spells?
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