Losing riverbanks as a food source also means losing knowledge of local plants, traditional foods, and how to cook healthily for our children. – Gotri, member of Wadulink

Empowering change through environmental restoration

In Sumengko Village, East Java, a group of dedicated women is leading the charge to restore their local riverbanks and protect their community from pollution. Their story is one of resilience, environmental advocacy, and a deep commitment to preserving traditional knowledge for future generations.

“We monitor river and well water quality using citizen science tools due to industrial pollution,” says Nur Hamidah, one of the leaders of Wadulink. Her words reflect the urgency of the situation, as Sumengko’s once thriving river, home to clams, crabs, and fish, has become lifeless due to toxic industrial runoff. The nearby factory, burning coal and plastic scraps, releases harmful pollutants, severely affecting the water quality and local ecosystems.

The environmental and health crisis

Sumengko’s riverbanks were once a rich food source, nourishing families with fish and shellfish. However, pollution from a nearby factory — which burns coal and plastic waste — has contaminated the water, turning it black and lifeless. Sri, a school headmaster and a key member of Wadulink, adds, “This pollution threatens our health, especially our children’s development. Stunting is already an issue here.” The impact on local food sources has been devastating, with traditional knowledge of river-based foods fading away.

As Gotri, another member of Wadulink, explains: “Losing riverbanks as a food source also means losing knowledge of local plants and how to cook healthily for our children.”

Wadulink: a community taking action

Seven years ago, Wadulink was formed with a mission to protect the riverbanks and revitalize the local ecosystem. The group, composed of teachers, health volunteers, housewives, and local officials, began monitoring water quality, raising awareness about health risks, and advocating for stricter environmental regulations. Their advocacy has grown from a local movement to one that now drives change in Sumengko and beyond.

One of their major efforts involves planting moringa — a highly nutritious plant that grows quickly along the riverbanks. This initiative not only helps restore the environment but also provides vital nutrition for local children.

The Green Belt Moringa Initiative

For years, Wadulink faced resistance, particularly from local authorities. In 2017, they raised concerns at the Village Meeting, but their efforts were largely ignored. However, in 2022, Wadulink finally gained legal recognition, allowing their voices to be heard with greater authority. With this newfound recognition, Wadulink continues to push for stricter enforcement of environmental laws and regulations around industrial pollution.

In 2023, they proposed the Green Belt Moringa Park — a protected riverside park designed to provide nutritious food while preserving the local ecosystem. While a government agency installed a sign banning construction in the area, enforcement remains weak, and illegal structures continue to threaten the riverbanks.

Ongoing challenges and resilience

Despite these challenges, Wadulink’s determination and resilience remain unwavering. The group has reported illegal constructions on the riverbanks, but enforcement has been slow. Even the protective sign marking the proposed Moringa Park was moved to make space for a new garage. Gotri reflects, “Permanent constructions are prohibited here, but enforcement is weak. We report violations, but follow-up is slow. We need higher-level authorities to step in and act.”

Through it all, the women of Wadulink remain committed to their mission: restoring their riverbanks, reclaiming traditional knowledge, and ensuring a healthy future for their community.