Bronte Wells
Indonesia is 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 about 1.29 million tonnes ends up in the sea. This plastic waste has severe effects on the environment, marine life, and the health of the Indonesian people. It has put the country's booming fishing industry, the second-largest in the world, under threat. In recent years, Indonesia has taken several steps to combat plastic pollution, including implementing legislation, introducing taxes on single-use plastics, and supporting innovators working to reduce plastic waste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Indonesia's rank in plastic pollution | Second-largest plastic polluter in the world |
| Annual plastic waste produced | 3.2 million tonnes |
| Annual plastic waste ending up in the sea | 1.29 million tonnes |
| Annual plastic bags released into the local environment | 10 billion |
| Annual plastic waste reduction target | 70% |
| Plastic waste reduction achieved as of December 2022 | 35.36% |
| Plastic waste in rivers and coastal waters | 20% |
| Frequency of plastic dumped into waters | Every 20 minutes |
| Average plastic bags consumed per person annually | 700 |
| Percentage of garbage that is unsorted | 81% |
| Percentage of garbage that is sorted but ends up mixed | 10% |
| Percentage of garbage that is sorted and reused | 9% |
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What You'll Learn
Indonesia is the world's second-largest plastic polluter
The enormous quantities of plastic waste have also taken a toll on marine life as animals often get entangled in the plastic waste and die. A viral video from 2018 showed marine debris polluting the waters of Nusa Penida Bay in Bali, Indonesia, with jellyfish floating alongside plastic bags, schools of fish dodging plastic food packaging, and a lone manta ray skirting abandoned nets. This video broke the hearts of viewers worldwide, showcasing the dire consequences of unchecked plastic production and consumption.
Indonesia's rivers have not been spared from the plastic pollution crisis. Four of Indonesia's rivers—Brantas, Ciliwung, Citarum, and Progo—rank among the 20 most polluted rivers globally. In the Cisadane and Musi Rivers, 65% of plastics accumulate near the river mouth. In contrast, 90% of the plastic waste particles from the Solo River disperse broadly in Indonesian marine waters or drift into the Indian Ocean. Single-use plastics (SUPs) are the predominant plastic items identified in major rivers and on beaches, with at least 47-65% of plastic items along riverbanks comprising SUPs like cup lids, caps, and straws.
The Indonesian government has recognised the urgency of addressing the country's contribution to plastic waste pollution, particularly in the ocean. In 2018, the government adopted Presidential Decree No. 83/2018 on Marine Debris Management, aiming for a 70% reduction in marine plastic debris by 2025. To support this goal, the government committed to allocating USD 1 billion annually. While these efforts are commendable, critics argue that stronger and more effective actions are needed to match the scale of the problem.
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Plastic waste in Indonesia's rivers and seas
Indonesia is 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 about 1.29 million tonnes end up in the sea. A 2015 study estimated that 20% of plastic waste in Indonesia ends up in rivers and coastal waters. This is supported by a 2018-2020 study that found 65% of plastics accumulate close to the river mouth in the Cisadane and Musi Rivers, while 90% of plastic waste particles from the Solo River are dispersed in Indonesian marine waters or drift into the Indian Ocean.
The Indonesian government has recognised the scale of the problem and has committed to a "sweeping, full-system-change approach to combatting plastic waste and pollution". The government has set a target to reduce plastic waste by 70% by 2025, to which it will contribute US$1 billion annually. This includes 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). As of December 2022, a 35.36% reduction in marine plastic debris has been reported.
However, critics argue that the government's actions have been relatively toothless compared to efforts in other countries. For example, in 2016, Indonesia introduced a US$0.02 tax on single-use plastic bags, but this was criticised as being too low to deter consumers. There is also a lack of central coordination in plastic pollution research, leading to scattered observations and varying methods.
The impact of plastic waste in Indonesia's rivers and seas is significant. It has affected local communities by depriving them of their sources of food and water, and increasing the likelihood of flooding. Marine life is also severely impacted, with animals often getting entangled in plastic waste and dying. Plastic waste also releases harmful chemicals into the atmosphere and pollutes groundwater, which eventually makes its way to rivers and lakes.
Innovators in Indonesia, such as Mohamad Bijaksana Junerosano, founder of Waste4Change, are working to combat plastic waste in the country. Waste4Change provides programmes like 'Send Your Waste' and 'DropBox' to help people properly manage and sort their plastic waste.
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Marine life and ecosystems are threatened
Indonesia is 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 about 1.29 million tonnes end up in the sea. This plastic waste has also affected Indonesian rivers and the ocean, threatening marine life and ecosystems.
A 2018 video from Nusa Penida Bay in Bali, Indonesia, showed jellyfish floating alongside plastic bags, schools of fish dodging plastic food packaging, and a lone manta ray skirting abandoned nets. This video highlighted the dire consequences of unchecked plastic production and consumption on marine ecosystems.
Indonesia's marine plastic pollution is fueled by several sources, including abandoned or lost fishing gear and single-use plastics. Rivers play a significant role in transporting plastic waste to the ocean, with the Solo River dispersing 90% of its plastic waste into Indonesian marine waters or the Indian Ocean. The accumulation of plastic waste in rivers also increases the risk of flooding, which can be damaging to surrounding communities.
The impact of plastic pollution extends beyond the aesthetic degradation of Indonesia's pristine natural environment. Marine animals face entanglement and death due to plastic waste, and the country's booming fishing industry, the second-largest in the world, is under threat from rising levels of marine plastic debris. By 2050, it is estimated that the volume of plastic in the sea will surpass that of fish, posing a significant danger to marine ecosystems.
Indonesia has recognized the urgency of addressing plastic pollution and has implemented measures to combat the issue. The government has set a target to reduce plastic waste by up to 70% by 2025 and has committed to contributing US$1 billion annually toward this effort. Various initiatives, such as Waste4Change, aim to promote responsible waste management and sorting. Additionally, Indonesia has adopted crucial pieces of legislation, including the Indonesia National Waste Management Policy and Strategy, and the Plan of Action on Marine Plastic Debris 2018-2025, demonstrating its commitment to tackling plastic pollution and protecting marine life and ecosystems.
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Indonesia's government plans to combat plastic pollution
Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world, with 250 million people, and is 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. This plastic waste has also affected Indonesian rivers and the ocean, with plastic carry bags being released into the local environment.
The Indonesian government has implemented several measures to combat this issue. Firstly, they adopted Presidential Decree No.97/2017, which focuses on the National Policy & Strategy on the Management of Household Waste and Household-like Waste (JAKSTRANAS). Additionally, they enacted Presidential Decree No.83/2018, which addresses Marine Debris Management with a Plan of Action on Marine Plastic Debris for 2017-2025. These decrees aim to reduce plastic pollution from land-based sources.
Indonesia has also committed to a "sweeping, full-system-change approach" to tackling plastic waste. This includes their participation in the World Economic Forum's Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP), which brings together various sectors to combat plastic pollution and promote a circular economy for plastics. Indonesia's NPAP Steering Board and Expert Panel are actively involved in these efforts.
The government has set a target to reduce plastic waste by up to 70% by 2025. To achieve this, they have pledged to contribute US$1 billion annually. They have also considered imposing taxes on plastic producers and single-use plastic bags, although the effectiveness of these measures has been questioned.
Indonesia's Plan of Action on Marine Plastic Debris (2017-2025) specifically targets a 70% reduction in marine plastic debris by 2025. As of December 2022, they have reported a 35.36% reduction. This plan includes conducting studies to inform policymaking and taking concrete actions, such as addressing abandoned fishing gear, a significant source of marine debris.
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Innovators are tackling plastic waste in Indonesia
Indonesia is the second-largest contributor to plastic pollution in the world, after China. The country produces 3.2 million tonnes of unmanaged plastic waste a year, of which 1.29 million tonnes ends up in the sea. This plastic waste has severe consequences for marine life, as animals often get entangled in it and die. It also affects local communities by contaminating their food and water sources and increasing the likelihood of floods.
Recognising the severity of the issue, innovators in Indonesia are taking steps to tackle the country's plastic waste problem. Here are some examples of their efforts:
Mohamad Bijaksana Junerosano
Mohamad Bijaksana Junerosano is the founder and Managing Director of Waste4Change, a social enterprise focused on responsible waste management in Indonesia. Through Waste4Change, Junerosano aims to implement the circular economy and zero-waste concepts in waste management. The enterprise provides a sorted waste collection service to ensure that recyclable waste, such as plastic bottles and cups, is utilised instead of being dumped. In 2008, Junerosano also co-founded Greeneration Indonesia, which created the baGoes bag—a foldable, reusable shopping bag—as part of a campaign to reduce plastic bag use.
Ocean Plastic Prevention Accelerator (OPPA)
OPPA, along with NPAP Indonesia, launched the Informal Plastic Collection Innovation in Indonesia Challenge. This initiative used UpLink, a World Economic Forum digital platform, to crowdsource solutions for improving supply chain ethics, traceability, and segmentation and providing access to knowledge and digital skills for informal waste workers.
Indonesian Government
The Indonesian government has also taken action to address plastic waste. In 2016, it introduced a tax on single-use plastic bags, and it plans to implement excise taxes on plastic producers. Additionally, the government has adopted presidential decrees aimed at reducing plastic waste and managing marine debris. These include the National Policy and Strategy on Management of Household Waste and Household-like Waste (JAKSTRANAS) and the Plan of Action on Marine Plastic Debris (2017-2025), which targets a 70% reduction in marine plastic debris by 2025.
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Frequently asked questions
Indonesia is the second-largest plastic polluter in the world after China. It produces 3.2 million tonnes of unmanaged plastic waste a year, of which 1.29 million tonnes end up in the sea.
Marine life in Indonesia is severely affected by plastic pollution. Animals often get entangled in plastic waste and die. Marine debris also affects the health of the people and the local food systems.
Indonesia's rivers are a significant source of marine plastic waste. The plastic clogs the rivers, depriving local communities of their source of food and water. It also increases the likelihood of flooding, which would be damaging to the surrounding communities.
The Indonesian government has introduced legislation to combat plastic pollution, including the National Plastic Waste Management Policy and Strategy, and the Plan of Action on Marine Plastic Debris. The government has also committed to reducing plastic waste by up to 70% by 2025 and has introduced taxes on single-use plastic bags.
Individuals in Indonesia can help reduce plastic pollution by sorting their waste and sending it to be properly managed by organisations like Waste4Change. They can also support innovators like Mohamad Bijaksana Junerosano, who founded Waste4Change and created a foldable, reusable shopping bag to reduce plastic bag consumption.
