Cleaning up Code

Kampung Code, a settlement beneath Gondolayu Bridge in Yogyakarta, sits like a labyrinth upon the riverbanks, with hundreds of steep steps encircling the rows of homes in a kind of concrete web. Despite the density, Ariyanto has a full view of the Code River from his seven-meter-high terrace, which he enjoys while sipping a mug of hot tea each morning.

"It used to be a different sight because the river was very dirty, clogged with rubbish," Ariyanto told Tempo at his house on Tuesday last week.

August 25, 2015