Rare but there: Rocks jut out from the Ciliwung River at a pristine fishing spot in Cibinong subdistrict of Bogor regency, West Java.

Once dubbed the world’s most polluted river, the Ciliwung River has its charms for those who like to fish.

The 119-kilometer river, which flows from Bogor to Depok in West Java, and then on through the nation’s capital to empty into Jakarta Bay, is a favorite fishing spot for many an angler.

Agus Setiawan, who lives in Bojong Gede subdistrict in Bogor regency, West Java, often goes to the Ciliwung to fish.

“It’s close to home, and there’s fish aplenty,” says Agus, who frequently goes sea fishing as well.

Those who live near the Ciliwung, especially in Bogor, usually head to the river for catfish, tilapia and carp. They use worms, moss or pellets as bait, and the fish they catch usually end up on their dinner plates.

Preying on predators: Four anglers wade through the Ciliwung to reach a hampala fishing spot in the Bojong area of Bogor, West Java.

Meanwhile, the more serious anglers use artificial lures made of wood, plastic or metal and set their sights on predatory fish species like the hampala. They use the casting technique to flick their lures toward the water and practice catch-and-release, a more sustainable way to fish.

However, others use more harmful and dangerous methods such as electrofishing and poison fishing. These methods not only harm the river ecosystem, and are also dangerous for those using them as well as other people who rely on the river for their daily needs.

Irresistible lure: An angler casts his line fitted with an artificial lure. While the Ciliwung River is known as the “black river” for its polluted downstream stretch through Jakarta, its upstream stretch is a favorite fishing destination among anglers.

Fish on the menu: Three men fish the Ciliwung River in Bogor, West Java. Many residents of riverbank communities head to the river to catch catfish, tilapia and carp for food.

Little terror: An angler shows a hampala he has caught with a lure. Many sports anglers practice catch-and-release fishing, a more sustainable way to fish.

Text and Photos By JP/Arief Suhardiman