Viral Attention Drives Action on Bali’s Plastic Problem with Gary Bencheghib of Sungai Watch

In this episode, Cory talks with Gary Bencheghib, co‑founder of Sungai Watch, about his journey from filmmaker to environmental leader and how his team is tackling plastic pollution in Indonesia’s rivers. Gary explains how Sungai Watch has installed hundreds of river barriers, collected millions of kilos of waste, and used viral storytelling to mobilize communities. He also discusses the challenges of Indonesia’s waste infrastructure, the importance of better packaging design, and how recycled plastic from river cleanups is being transformed into new products.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Gary’s background in filmmaking and environmental storytelling
• Founding Sungai Watch and the development of river‑barrier solutions
• Why Indonesia is a major source of ocean plastic pollution
• Community‑based cleanup models and cultural attitudes around waste
• The impact of viral media in building global support
• Sungai Watch’s 12 sorting centers and daily waste‑processing operations
• Converting river plastic into recycled chairs, trays, and furniture
• The lack of waste collection systems across Bali and Java
• The need for reduction, mono‑materials, and circular packaging design
• How sponsorships and barrier funding help scale cleanup efforts

Resources Mentioned:

Sungai Watch — nonprofit river‑cleanup organization
Sungai Design — recycled‑plastic furniture brand

Contact:

Email: gary@sungaiwatch.com
Website: sungaiwatch.com
LinkedIn: Gary Bencheghib

Closing Thoughts:

Cory and Gary emphasize the importance of simple, scalable solutions and the power of community action in addressing river‑to‑ocean plastic pollution. Sungai Watch’s work demonstrates how storytelling, transparency, and innovation can inspire global participation and move the world closer to a circular, waste‑free future.


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