Controlling Invasive Suckerfish in Indonesia: Methods and Challenges

Jakarta’s provincial government is urgently reassessing its strategy to combat the invasive suckermouth catfish (ikan sapu-sapu) after Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung confirmed the provincial administration is evaluating the most effective methods to address the growing ecological threat, as reported by detikNews on April 21, 2026. This review follows public concern sparked by a viral video showing the fish being buried alive—a practice condemned by the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) as inhumane and potentially illegal under animal welfare principles—and comes amid mounting evidence that the species, native to South America, has devastated local aquatic ecosystems across Java and Sumatra by outcompeting indigenous fish, damaging irrigation infrastructure, and threatening the livelihoods of traditional fishers.

The suckermouth catfish, scientifically known as Hypostomus plecostomus, was first detected in Indonesian waters in the early 2000s, likely introduced through the ornamental aquarium trade. By 2020, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) estimated infestations in over 15 provinces, with Jakarta’s rivers and canals among the most severely affected. Unlike native species, the suckermouth catfish reproduces rapidly, with females laying up to 1,000 eggs per spawn, and possesses a unique ability to survive in low-oxygen environments, allowing it to dominate polluted urban waterways. Its armored plates and suction-like mouth enable it to cling to surfaces and scrape algae—but too to erode concrete canal linings and damage rice field irrigation systems, a problem documented in a 2023 study by the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) that found structural wear in 30% of surveyed canals in West Java directly correlated with high densities of the fish.

Governor Pramono Anung’s announcement signals a shift from reactive eradication efforts—which have included public fishing campaigns and limited use of nets—to a more systematic, science-based approach. “We are not just looking at how to kill more fish,” Pramono stated in a press briefing cited by CNN Indonesia. “We are studying biological controls, habitat modification, and even potential commercial uses, such as converting the fish into animal feed or fertilizer, to create a sustainable management cycle.” This aligns with recommendations from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which in its 2024 report on invasive aquatic species urged Southeast Asian nations to adopt integrated pest management strategies that combine physical removal with economic incentives to prevent wasteful culling practices.

“Burying these fish alive is not only cruel but counterproductive—it wastes potential resources and violates ethical standards we uphold as a Muslim-majority nation. We must discover humane, efficient, and ecologically sound solutions.”

— Dr. Siti Aisyah, Head of the Jakarta Chapter of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), in an interview with Kompas.id, April 20, 2026.

The ecological and economic toll is increasingly felt at the hyperlocal level. In North Jakarta’s Penjaringan district, longtime fisherman Rudi Hartono told detikNews that his daily catch of native tilapia and freshwater shrimp has declined by an estimated 70% over the past five years due to competition from the suckermouth catfish. “We used to sell our catch at the Pasar Ikan; now we barely catch enough for our own families,” he said. Similar declines have been reported in the Ciliwung and Cipinang rivers, where the fish’s feeding habits disrupt aquatic vegetation that native species rely on for spawning. The Jakarta Fisheries Office estimates that annual losses to small-scale fisheries in the city now exceed IDR 2.5 billion ($150,000 USD), a figure that does not include infrastructure repair costs.

Addressing this crisis requires coordination across multiple sectors. Municipal water management agencies, such as PD PAL Jaya, which oversees Jakarta’s clean water and wastewater systems, may necessitate to assess whether fish-induced erosion is compromising the integrity of underground canals—a concern raised in a 2022 audit by the City’s Audit Board (BPKP). Simultaneously, urban planners must consider how invasive species impact flood mitigation efforts, as clogged waterways reduce drainage capacity during the rainy season.

“Invasive species like the suckermouth catfish are not just an environmental issue—they are a public infrastructure and economic resilience challenge. Cities need adaptive management plans that treat aquatic ecosystems as critical assets.”

— Professor Bambang Hero Saharjo, Forestry Expert at IPB University and Advisor to the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, speaking at a national forum on invasive species in Bogor, March 2026.

For residents and local businesses affected by this ecological imbalance, accessing verified expertise is essential. Those seeking guidance on sustainable aquaculture alternatives or habitat restoration can consult certified environmental consultants who specialize in invasive species mitigation and wetland rehabilitation. Municipal contractors responsible for maintaining Jakarta’s canal networks may require specialized civil engineering firms experienced in aquatic infrastructure repair and erosion control to assess and reinforce damaged linings. Entrepreneurs exploring value-added uses for the harvested fish—such as processing into protein-rich feed—can connect with licensed agribusiness processors through the World Today News Directory to ensure compliance with food safety and environmental regulations.

The Jakarta administration’s current review presents an opportunity to move beyond symbolic gestures toward a long-term, ecologically intelligent strategy. Success will depend on integrating scientific rigor, community engagement, and economic innovation—turning a costly nuisance into a potential resource while protecting the city’s waterways for future generations. As climate change accelerates ecosystem disruption, cities like Jakarta must lead in developing adaptive, humane, and scalable responses to invasive species—problems that respect no borders but demand localized, responsible action.