In a gruelling test of endurance and environmental advocacy, the founders of Sungai Watch, Bencheghib siblings Gary, Kelly, and Sam, have officially crossed the 500-kilometre mark of their 1,260-kilometre ultramarathon against plastic pollution.
With 530 km behind them and 700 km to the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, the team is transitioning from the industrial corridors of East Java into Central Java.
The expedition, which involves running the equivalent of 28 consecutive marathons, remains focused on an ambitious goal: raising $1 million USD to scale Sungai Watch’s river cleaning operations across Indonesia.
15 Cleanups and 12 Tons of Waste
But it’s about more than running. So far, the trio has organised 15 large-scale river cleanups along the route. These cleaning activities have removed 12,000 kilograms of plastic from Indonesia’s waterways, preventing it from ever reaching the ocean.
‘Every kilometre we run is a reminder of why we started Sungai Watch,’ said Gary Bencheghib. ‘We aren’t just passing through these communities, we are getting into the rivers with them. Collecting over 12 tons of trash while on a 1,260 km run shows that the hunger for solutions is there. We just need the infrastructure to support it.’
The expedition, which involves running the equivalent of 28 consecutive marathons, remains focused on one goal: raising $1 million USD to scale Sungai Watch’s river cleaning operations across Indonesia
As the run progresses, the Run for Rivers mission has become a diplomatic catalyst for environmental policy. The Bencheghib siblings have met with a growing list of regional leaders to discuss waste management gaps and expansion plans.
In addition, the team has collaborated on the ground with various Public Works and Environmental agencies, as well as district and village heads. This grassroots-to-government approach ensures that Sungai Watch’s expansion is integrated into local waste systems.
Fundraising Progress: The Road to $1 Million
The fundraising campaign has seen growing momentum, with $78,332 USD (as of April 23, 2026) raised toward the $1 million goal.
Under the campaign’s model – where $1 donated equals 1kg of plastic removed – the funds raised will directly support the installation of new river barriers and the development of waste sorting facilities in key locations identified during the run.
‘We’re seeing it firsthand in every city and village we pass through. People are ready to act, leaders are ready to collaborate, and communities want cleaner rivers. That gives us a lot of hope’
Sam Bencheghib, co-founder Sungai Watch
‘This run is helping us map the reality of waste and rivers across Java in a way no satellite image ever could,’ explained Kelly. ‘The support from donors and the engagement from leaders shows that Indonesia is ready for a massive shift in how we protect our water.’
The run will continue through Central and West Java before ending in Jakarta. The Bencheghib siblings aim to meet with President Prabowo Subianto to discuss a national roadmap for cleaner rivers.
‘The momentum around waste solutions has never felt more real than it does right now,’ said Sam. ‘We’re seeing it firsthand in every city and village we pass through. People are ready to act, leaders are ready to collaborate, and communities want cleaner rivers. That gives us a lot of hope.’
The expedition is being documented via Sungai Watch’s social channels, with a feature-length documentary also in development that captures the physical toll and environmental impact.
