Makara is launching a new initiative: the traveling YUYU River Education Exhibitions. YUYU exhibitions are organized to inspire and connect upstream communities to protect their rivers from pollution. We study biodiversity and water quality and learn about life and communities along the river. Through photography and plastic installations, we show how much waste ends up in the river.

River pollution: a global problem

Rivers around the world carry tons of waste, microplastics and other pollutants into the ocean every day, causing major damage to ecosystems. River pollution is one of the biggest challenges of our time.

Rivers in Asia are among the most polluted in the world. Local industry, households and tourism produce large amounts of plastic waste. But a substantial part of that plastic comes from Western countries. The Netherlands is in the top 10 of countries from which Indonesia imports tens of millions of kilograms of plastic scrap. Much of it ends up in East Java, where recycling capacity is insufficient.

This problem requires action on both sides. Makara is a Dutch foundation that mobilizes support, knowledge and resources in the Netherlands for communities in Indonesia that protect their rivers from plastic pollution. Local partners lead the implementation; Makara initiates, coordinates and connects.

Action in Indonesia

Participants in the YUYU exhibitions take water samples, analyze microplastics under a microscope and remove plastic waste from the river. Sometimes this includes packaging from Western brands. They see firsthand how plastic is damaging the river’s biodiversity and are inspired to take action. We exchange knowledge with local communities about the ecology, cultural values and recreational opportunities of the river.

The YUYU exhibitions are inspired by Brantas XOXO, the interactive traveling exhibition organized by Indonesian environmental organization Ecoton along the Brantas River in East Java. Working together with Ecoton, Makara brings these exhibitions to other rivers in Indonesia. Together with Dutch design agency Northern Light, a pavilion focused on health and microplastics has been added.

Towards an Asian YUYU network

The YUYU exhibitions are building a network of active communities along rivers in Indonesia. The goal is to empower communities by connecting them so they can share solutions to protect their river.

YUYU River Education Exhibitions is supported by Dutch design agency Northern Light.

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