Brian Barton
Indonesia is the second-largest plastic polluter in the world, producing 3.2 million tonnes of unmanaged plastic waste annually, with 1.29 million tonnes ending up in the sea. The country's plastic waste problem extends beyond the ocean, with four of Indonesia's rivers ranking among the 20 most polluted rivers globally. In response, the Indonesian government has introduced various measures to combat plastic pollution, including Presidential Decree No.97/2017 on National Policy and Strategy for Household Waste Management and Decree No.83/2018 on Marine Debris Management, aiming for a 70% reduction in marine plastic debris by 2025. Despite these efforts, the political determination to address the issue has been criticised as lacking, with calls for more drastic action to match the scale of the crisis.
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What You'll Learn
- Indonesia's plastic waste import rose from 10,000 tons/month in 2017 to 35,000 tons/month in 2018
- The government aims to cut marine plastic waste by 70% by 2025
- Single-use plastics are the predominant plastic items found in rivers and on beaches
- The Bantar Gebang landfill in Jakarta receives over 5,000 tons of solid waste daily
- The government has introduced a US$0.02 tax on single-use plastic bags
Indonesia's plastic waste import rose from 10,000 tons/month in 2017 to 35,000 tons/month in 2018
Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world, with 250 million people, and the second-largest plastic polluter after China. The country produces 3.2 million tonnes of unmanaged plastic waste annually, with about 1.29 million tonnes ending up in the sea. Indonesia's plastic waste problem extends beyond the ocean, impacting its rivers and local environment as well. Recognising the urgency of addressing this issue, the Indonesian government has implemented various measures to combat plastic pollution.
In 2017, the government adopted Presidential Decree No.97/2017, focusing on the National Policy and Strategy for managing household and household-like waste. This was followed by Presidential Decree No.83/2018, addressing Marine Debris Management, with a Plan of Action on Marine Plastic Debris for 2017-2025. Indonesia aims for a 70% reduction in marine plastic debris by 2025, targeting the sources of plastic pollution. As of December 2022, a 35.36% reduction in marine plastic debris has been achieved.
Indonesia's plastic waste import volume has increased significantly, rising from 10,000 tons per month in 2017 to 35,000 tons per month in 2018. This increase contributes to the country's existing plastic waste problem. The majority of plastic waste is non-recyclable and non-biodegradable, often ending up in landfills. Bantar Gebang landfill in Jakarta receives over 5,000 tonnes of solid waste daily, impacting the environment through the release of harmful chemicals and methane gas, a climate pollutant.
To combat plastic pollution, Indonesia has taken a comprehensive approach, including studies to inform policymaking and concrete actions. Three World Bank-supported studies identified major sources of marine plastic debris and provided policy recommendations. Efforts to reduce plastic waste include prohibiting waste dumping into rivers and organising cleanup activities involving local residents and village officials. Indonesia's Plan of Action on Marine Plastic Debris targets single-use plastics, which comprise a significant portion of plastic items found along riverbanks and beaches.
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The government aims to cut marine plastic waste by 70% by 2025
Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world, with 250 million people, and the second-largest plastic polluter after China. The country generates 3.2 million tonnes of unmanaged plastic waste annually, with about 1.29 million tonnes ending up in the sea. Indonesia's coastal regions are densely populated, and the issue of plastic waste is widespread and transboundary. Ocean currents carry plastic waste in various directions, including uninhabited islands, exacerbating the problem.
The Indonesian government has acknowledged the country's significant contribution to global plastic waste pollution and recognises the urgency of taking action. In 2020, President Joko Widodo introduced two crucial pieces of legislation: the Indonesia National Waste Management Policy and Strategy (Presidential Decree No. 97/2017) and the Plan of Action on Marine Plastic Debris 2018-2025 (Presidential Decree No. 83/2018). These decrees aim to reduce marine plastic debris by 70% by 2025 and create an enabling environment for policy-makers to implement changes.
Indonesia's Plan of Action on Marine Plastic Debris (2017-2025) targets a 70% reduction in marine plastic waste by 2025, aiming to control plastic pollution at its source. As of December 2022, the government has reported a 35.36% reduction in marine plastic debris. To achieve this target, the government has committed to contributing $1 billion annually. Additionally, they have conducted studies to inform policymaking and guide concrete actions, highlighting major sources of marine plastic debris and providing policy recommendations.
To meet the 70% reduction target by 2025, Indonesia has committed to leading five system-change interventions that will transform how plastics are produced, used, and disposed of. These include reducing or substituting plastic usage, working with industry leaders to eliminate unnecessary plastic materials, promoting reusable packaging and refill shops, and empowering consumers to move away from single-use plastics. Indonesia also plans to introduce excise taxes on plastic producers, although the impact on plastic use is expected to be minimal.
Indonesia's efforts to combat plastic pollution extend beyond legislation and interventions. The country has mobilised $3.17 billion to address the issue, improved livelihoods for 12,000 informal waste workers, and published evidence-based action plans on financing, biodiversity, and social inclusion. These comprehensive approaches demonstrate Indonesia's commitment to tackling plastic pollution and achieving its ambitious targets by 2025.
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Single-use plastics are the predominant plastic items found in rivers and on beaches
Indonesia is the second-largest plastic polluter in the world, producing 3.2 million tonnes of unmanaged plastic waste annually, of which 1.29 million tonnes end up in the sea. The country's plastic crisis extends beyond the ocean, affecting its rivers and beaches as well. Single-use plastics (SUPs) are the predominant plastic items identified in major rivers and on beaches. A study conducted between 2018 and 2020 used drones and artificial intelligence to detect and quantify marine plastic debris. It found that 47 to 65 percent of plastic items along the riverbanks of the Cisadane, Citarum, and Bali rivers were SUP items, such as cup lids, caps, and small plastic items.
The accumulation of plastic waste in Indonesia's waterways has severe consequences for the environment and local communities. Rivers clogged with plastic waste harm wildlife, such as birds and turtles, that ingest non-biodegradable materials. It also deprives communities of their source of food and water and increases the likelihood of flooding, posing risks to surrounding areas. Additionally, plastic waste releases harmful chemicals into the groundwater and the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution.
Indonesia has recognized the urgency of addressing its plastic pollution crisis and has taken several measures to combat the issue. The government has set ambitious targets, aiming to reduce plastic waste by 70 percent by 2025 and achieve a plastic pollution-free nation by 2040. To reach these goals, Indonesia plans to implement system-wide changes, including reducing or substituting plastic usage, promoting reusable packaging, and empowering consumers to move away from single-use plastics.
Community movements have also emerged, encouraging individuals to use tumblers, carry their own bags, and refuse single-use plastic straws. Environmental activists, like Suparno Jumar, are dedicated to cleaning rivers like the Ciliwung and providing education to residents about the importance of rivers and the negative impacts of plastic waste. These efforts are crucial in fostering a more sustainable mindset and reducing Indonesia's environmental footprint.
While Indonesia has made strides in addressing its plastic pollution crisis, there is still a long way to go. The political determination and enforcement of measures need to match the scale of the problem. With continued efforts from the government, communities, and individuals, Indonesia can make significant progress in tackling its single-use plastic pollution crisis and protecting its rich natural environment.
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The Bantar Gebang landfill in Jakarta receives over 5,000 tons of solid waste daily
Indonesia is the second-largest plastic polluter in the world after China, producing 3.2 million tonnes of unmanaged plastic waste annually, of which about 1.29 million tonnes end up in the sea. The country's plastic crisis extends beyond the ocean, impacting its rivers, streams, wildlife, and landfills.
The Bantar Gebang landfill in Jakarta is at the epicentre of this crisis, receiving over 5,000 tons of solid waste daily. Operating since 1989, the landfill has grown in tandem with Jakarta's burgeoning population and consumption patterns. Today, Bantar Gebang sprawls across more than 100 hectares, the size of 200 football fields, towering over 45 meters high. It is not just the sheer volume of waste but also the hazardous nature of landfill waste that poses a significant environmental and health threat.
The landfill is a site of constant danger, with landslides and toxic emissions endangering both the environment and the health and safety of those who work and live in its vicinity. The waste releases harmful chemicals, contaminating groundwater and, eventually, nearby rivers and lakes. Moreover, the landfill contributes to air pollution, emitting methane gas, a known climate pollutant. The incineration of waste, while an attempt at waste-to-energy management, has also come under scrutiny for releasing toxic substances into the environment and the potential for long-term ecological harm.
The landfill has become a source of livelihood for over 3,000 families who reside within its expanse, sorting and collecting metals, electronics, and plastics for resale. While this provides an income source, it also exposes them to the health risks associated with the hazardous waste.
The Jakarta government has recognised the urgency of addressing the waste crisis and has implemented measures such as banning single-use plastic bags and promoting reusable alternatives. Additionally, the potential for landfill-mining at Bantar Gebang has been proposed, utilising waste-to-energy technologies to both manage waste and address power generation demands.
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The government has introduced a US$0.02 tax on single-use plastic bags
Indonesia is the fourth most populous country and the second-largest plastic polluter in the world after China. The country produces 3.2 million tonnes of unmanaged plastic waste a year, of which 1.29 million tonnes end up in the sea. In addition, approximately 10 billion plastic carry bags, equal to 85,000 tonnes, are released into its local environment each year.
To combat this, the Indonesian government introduced a US$0.02 tax on single-use plastic bags in 2016. However, critics argued that the charge was not high enough to deter consumers. As a result, the country's retailers' association stopped charging for plastic bags, citing a lack of legal grounds. Despite this setback, the Indonesian government has shown a commitment to reducing plastic pollution and set a target to reduce plastic waste by 70% by 2025. This aligns with the country's Plan of Action on Marine Plastic Debris (2017-2025) and the Indonesia National Waste Management Policy and Strategy (Presidential Decree No. 97/2017).
The government has also acknowledged the need to address the issue of plastic pollution in its coastal regions, which host densely populated communities. The impact of plastic waste in these areas is widespread and transboundary, as ocean currents carry plastic waste in various directions, including towards uninhabited islands. The government has taken steps to prohibit the dumping of waste into rivers and organize regular cleanup activities involving local residents and village officials.
Indonesia's plastic waste problem extends beyond its oceans and rivers, affecting its food systems and the health of its people. The accumulation of toxic plastic waste in waterways and coastlines is causing harm, and the country aims to be entirely plastic pollution-free by 2040. To achieve this, Indonesia plans to implement system-change interventions that will transform the way plastics are produced, used, and disposed of. This includes encouraging the use of reusable packaging, embracing new delivery models such as refill shops, and empowering consumers to move away from single-use plastic consumption.
While the introduction of the US$0.02 tax on single-use plastic bags may not have had the desired effect, it demonstrates the Indonesian government's recognition of the plastic pollution issue and its willingness to take action. However, more drastic measures may be needed to effectively reduce plastic waste in the country.
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Frequently asked questions
Indonesia has set an ambitious target to tackle plastic pollution within the country. The country aims to cut marine plastic waste by 70% by 2025 and to be entirely plastic pollution-free by 2040. Indonesia plans to achieve this by reducing or substituting plastic usage, embracing new delivery models, and empowering consumers to move away from single-use plastic consumption.
The main sources of plastic pollution in Indonesia are single-use plastics (SUPs), which are commonly found in major rivers and on beaches, and abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear, which pollutes the marine environment.
Plastic pollution clogs up rivers and oceans, harming marine life and local communities who depend on these water sources for food and water. It also increases the likelihood of flooding and releases harmful chemicals into the atmosphere.
The Indonesian government has introduced legislation such as the Indonesia National Waste Management Policy and Strategy (Presidential Decree No. 97/2017) and the Plan of Action on Marine Plastic Debris 2018-2025 (Presidential Decree No. 83/2018) to combat plastic pollution. The government has also committed to contributing US$1 billion annually towards reducing plastic waste.
Individuals in Indonesia can help reduce plastic pollution by adopting more sustainable practices, such as using reusable bags and bottles instead of single-use plastics, carrying their own bags when shopping, and refusing to use plastic straws or opting for reusable alternatives.
