Artificial rivers are one of the objects of cultural heritage that has not been studied, in both archaeology and its preservation. Preservation of artificial rivers is related to environmental issues, namely waste disposal in rivers, settlements on river banks, and flooding. Both studies are beneficial for the preservation of the artificial river. In this regard, this paper intended to gain the causes of unsustainability and its solutions. This paper uses a qualitative-descriptive method. The data were collected through field observations, interviews, and literature studies. The analysis is descriptive to find out the causes of unsustainability. As a result, the causes of unsustainability and steps for its preservation include implementing regulations, supporting stakeholders, and reinventing the culture of river use. The application of regulations is related to the use of the border and disposal of waste in the river. Meanwhile, cultural reinvention of river utilization (not only as a transportation route but also as a river tourism activity) is obligatory to be executed to provide profit to the community and support river conservation.