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#10736 Sungai Kaligesing, Bogowonto River, Central Java, Indonesia

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Indonesia, Central Java, Purworejo

Sungai Kaligesing is a tributary of the Bogowonto River, originating in the Menoreh Mountains, Purworejo, Central Java, Indonesia. Its clear, clean water provides an ideal habitat for gobies, which migrate upstream from the coast during the breeding season in search of freshwater springs. The distance from the river mouth to its headwaters is approximately 45km.

The riverbanks are lined with dense native vegetation, which helps protect the numerous springs that feed the river and maintain its excellent water quality.

The surrounding area is home to a variety of wildlife, including cobras and pythons. In the past, the region was also inhabited by the Javan leopard and Javan deer, but their populations have disappeared locally as a result of habitat loss and human exploitation.

Submitted by
Imanul Khakim
GPS
-7.7362852, 110.0875244
Geographical region
Southeastern Asia
Drainage Basin
Indian Ocean
River catchment
Bogowonto River
Water body type
Stream
Water body name
Sungai Kaligesing
Water body part
Flood plain
Water body course
Upper course
Water body: tributary of
River
Tributary name
Bogowonto

Videos above and below water


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Water Chemistry

Water information

Water type
Freshwater
Water color
Clear water
Water transparency
High
Concentration of sediments
Low
Water temperature
23-27 °C
Water flow/curent
Strong

Chemical parameters

pH
7.2
Conductivity
GH
125 mg/l
dGH
KH
120 mg/l
dKH
Dissolved Oxygen

Substrate in nature

Sand
Beige
Pebble/Gravel
Mixed
Stone
Mixed
Stone form
Irregular
Silt/Mud
Brown
Leaves
Many
Driftwood
Few
Submerged terrestrial vegetation
Yes

Aquatic Biotope

Date of collecting
31/05/2026
Collecting area
River bank
Water depth
0,5m
Air temperature
27 °C
Sunlight
Full sun

Environment

Environment
Human settlements
Human settlements
Dispersed
Surrounding area

The Menoreh Mountains form a mountain range stretching across western Kulon Progo Regency in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, eastern Purworejo Regency, and part of Magelang Regency in Central Java, Indonesia. This range serves as a natural boundary between the three regencies and also between the provinces of the Special Region of Yogyakarta and Central Java. Its highest peak is Mount Ayamayam, which rises to more than 1.021 metres above sea level.

Along the river, dense riparian vegetation lines the banks, providing shade and habitat for aquatic life. Small villages are located nearby, and local communities depend on the river for agriculture, livestock farming, and other daily needs.

Underwater landscape

The river is characterized by abundant riparian vegetation. Most of the vegetation consists of grasses and reeds, with scattered trees growing along the banks. Exposed roots and overhanging grasses are distinctive features of this habitat, providing shelter for many aquatic organisms.

The riverbed is composed of rocks often covered with algae, patches of sand, and submerged pieces of wood. The water is clear and slightly shaded, creating ideal conditions for a diverse fish community.

Fish recorded from this habitat include:

  • Barbodes binotatus (Cyprinidae)
  • Lentipes ikeae (Oxudercidae)
  • Lentipes whittenorum (Oxudercidae)
  • Nemacheilus fasciatus (Nemacheilidae)
  • Pseudogobius oligactis (Oxudercidae)
  • Rasbora argyrotaenia (Danionidae)
  • Rasbora lateristriata (Danionidae)
  • Sicyopus cebuensis (Oxudercidae)
  • Sicyopus rubicundus (Oxudercidae)
  • Sicyopus zosterophorus (Oxudercidae)
  • Sicyopterus hageni (Oxudercidae)
  • Sicyopterus lagocephalus (Oxudercidae)
  • Sicyopterus longifilis (Oxudercidae)
  • Sicyopterus microcephalus (Oxudercidae)
  • Sicyopterus ocellaris (Oxudercidae)
  • Stiphodon atropurpureus (Oxudercidae)
  • Stiphodon aureofuscus (Oxudercidae)
  • Stiphodon maculidorsalis (Oxudercidae)
  • Stiphodon semoni (Oxudercidae)
Threats to ecology

The main threats to this river ecosystem are pollution and destructive fishing practices. Household waste, particularly plastic litter and other rubbish, is frequently discarded into the river. During the dry season, when water levels decrease, pollutants become more concentrated, resulting in fish mortality and the degradation of aquatic habitats.

Another serious threat is illegal fishing using high-voltage electrofishing equipment. This indiscriminate method kills not only the target species but also juveniles and other aquatic organisms, causing significant damage to the river’s biodiversity.

Riparian zone

Trees near the aquatic habitat
Many -

Sitography

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