Greta Jimenez
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 64 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with 3.2 million tonnes ending up in the sea. In response to this growing crisis, the Indonesian government has set a target to reduce plastic waste by 70% by 2025, committing $1 billion annually to the effort. However, critics argue that the government's actions have been relatively toothless compared to measures implemented elsewhere. This article will explore the extent of Indonesia's plastic pollution crisis and evaluate the government's response, including the effectiveness of policies and initiatives aimed at reducing plastic waste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Government initiatives | Presidential Decree No.97/2017 on National Policy & Strategy on Management of Household Waste and Household-like Waste (JAKSTRANAS), Presidential Decree No.83/2018 on Marine Debris Management (Plan of Action on Marine Plastic Debris 2017–2025), National Plastic Waste Reduction Strategic Actions for Indonesia |
| Goals | Reduce plastic waste by 70% by 2025, control plastic pollution at its source |
| Investment | USD 1 billion annually |
| Recycling capacity | Double the current capacity to process an additional 975,000 tonnes of plastic waste per year |
| Waste disposal facilities | Build or expand facilities to manage an additional 3.3 million tonnes of plastic waste per year |
| Plastic bag tax | Introduced a US$0.02 tax on single-use plastic bags in 2016 |
| Excise taxes | Planning to introduce excise taxes on plastic producers |
| Cleanup activities | Regular cleanups involving local residents, village officials, and environmental activists |
| Education | Providing counseling and information to residents about the importance of rivers and the environmental impact of plastic waste |
| Plastic waste collection | 39% of total plastic waste collected, with only 16% collected in rural and remote areas |
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What You'll Learn
- The Indonesian government has set a target to reduce plastic waste by 70% by 2025
- The government has committed $1 billion annually to reduce plastic waste
- Presidential Decree No.97/2017 on National Policy & Strategy for Management of Household Waste
- Presidential Decree No.83/2018 on Marine Debris Management (Plan of Action on Marine Plastic Debris 2017-2025)
- The government introduced a $0.02 tax on single-use plastic bags in 2016
The Indonesian government has set a target to reduce plastic waste by 70% by 2025
Indonesia is the second-largest plastic polluter in the world, with 3.2 million tonnes of plastic waste ending up in the sea each year. The country's plastic waste problem is widespread and transboundary, affecting not just the ocean but also Indonesian rivers and the local environment. In recognition of this, the Indonesian government has set an ambitious target to reduce plastic waste by 70% by 2025.
To achieve this target, the government has committed to allocating USD 1 billion annually to the initiative. This includes investments in waste-collection infrastructure and expanding recycling capacity to process an additional 975,000 tonnes of plastic waste per year. Indonesia also plans to build and expand safe waste disposal facilities to manage an additional 3.3 million tonnes of plastic waste annually.
In addition to these measures, Indonesia has introduced policies to reduce plastic use, such as a tax on single-use plastic bags and planned excise taxes on plastic producers. The government has also formulated the National Plastic Waste Reduction Strategic Actions, which aim to create an enabling environment for the implementation of presidential decrees on household waste management and marine debris management.
Despite these efforts, the actions taken by the Indonesian government have been criticised as relatively toothless compared to measures implemented elsewhere in the world. The country's plastic packaging problem persists, with single-use plastics continuing to clog streams and harm wildlife. As such, Indonesia must continue to step up its efforts to combat plastic pollution and achieve its target of reducing plastic waste by 70% by 2025.
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The government has committed $1 billion annually to reduce plastic waste
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 64 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, of which about 3.2 million tonnes end up in the sea. Indonesia's coastal regions are densely populated, and the issue of plastic waste is widespread and transboundary. The plastic waste problem in Indonesia has reached a critical level, with plastic pollution affecting not only the oceans but also the country's rivers and local communities.
To address this issue, the Indonesian government has committed $1 billion annually to reduce plastic waste. This significant financial commitment demonstrates the government's recognition of the urgency and importance of tackling the plastic pollution crisis. The funds allocated will be used to support various initiatives and strategies aimed at reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable practices.
One of Indonesia's key targets is to reduce plastic waste by 70% by 2025. To achieve this ambitious goal, the government is taking a holistic approach, addressing both land-based and marine plastic pollution sources. This includes implementing measures to control plastic pollution at its source, such as phasing out single-use plastics and promoting recycling and safe waste disposal practices.
The Indonesian government's Plan of Action on Marine Plastic Debris (2017-2025) plays a crucial role in this endeavour. The plan involves using drones and artificial intelligence to detect and quantify marine plastic debris, with a focus on major rivers and beaches. By targeting these accumulation spots, the government can effectively reduce the volume of plastics entering Indonesia's marine environment.
Additionally, the funds will be used to invest in waste-collection infrastructure and expand recycling capacities. This includes supporting both the formal sector, comprising government employees, and the informal sector, which includes waste pickers who play a significant role in national waste management efforts. Furthermore, the government plans to build and expand safe waste disposal facilities to better manage the large volume of plastic waste generated in the country.
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Presidential Decree No.97/2017 on National Policy & Strategy for Management of Household Waste
Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world, with a population of 250 million. It is also the second-largest plastic polluter after China, producing 3.2 million tonnes of unmanaged plastic waste annually, of which about 1.29 million tonnes end up in the sea. In addition, approximately 10 billion plastic carry bags, or 85,000 tonnes, are released into the local environment each year. This unmanaged plastic waste has contaminated Indonesian rivers and the ocean, affecting wildlife and the environment.
To address this issue, the Indonesian government recently adopted Presidential Decree No. 97/2017 on National Policy & Strategy on Management of Household Waste and Household-like Waste (JAKSTRANAS). This decree aims to create a comprehensive framework for managing household waste and reducing plastic pollution in Indonesia.
The decree outlines a range of measures to be implemented by the government and local authorities. These include:
- Promoting recycling and waste management practices: The decree emphasizes the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling household waste. It calls for the establishment of recycling centres and waste management facilities in communities across the country.
- Education and awareness programmes: The decree recognizes the importance of educating the public about the environmental impacts of plastic pollution and the importance of proper waste management. It mandates the development of awareness campaigns and educational programmes to be implemented in schools, communities, and through public service announcements.
- Collaboration between government agencies: The decree calls for a coordinated effort between various government ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, to address the complex issue of plastic pollution. This includes collaboration on policy development, enforcement, and monitoring.
- Encouraging sustainable alternatives: The decree encourages the development and use of sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics, such as biodegradable materials and reusable packaging. It also promotes the idea of a circular economy, where resources are reused and recycled whenever possible.
- Enforcement and regulation: The decree includes a set of regulations and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with waste management practices. This includes fines and penalties for individuals and businesses that do not properly manage their waste or comply with recycling initiatives.
Presidential Decree No. 97/2017 on National Policy & Strategy on Management of Household Waste is a crucial step towards addressing Indonesia's plastic pollution crisis. By implementing this decree, along with other measures such as the Plan of Action on Marine Plastic Debris 2017–2025, Indonesia aims to significantly reduce plastic waste and protect its environment and ecosystems. The government has also committed to allocating USD 1 billion annually to support this objective.
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Presidential Decree No.83/2018 on Marine Debris Management (Plan of Action on Marine Plastic Debris 2017-2025)
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 plastic waste a year, of which about 1.29 million tonnes end up in the sea. In addition, approximately 10 billion plastic bags, equal to 85,000 tonnes, are released into the local environment each year. This unmanaged plastic waste has also affected Indonesian rivers and the ocean.
To address this issue, the Government of Indonesia issued Presidential Decree No. 83/2018 on Marine Debris Management, also known as the Plan of Action on Marine Plastic Debris 2017-2025. This decree sets a target of a 70% reduction in marine plastic debris by 2025. It is a joint inter-sectoral framework that addresses the marine debris problem from upstream to downstream, encompassing five strategies:
- National movement to increase stakeholder awareness
- Beach clean-up
- Ghost Fishing Gear recovery
- Research and development
- Leakage monitoring
There are 18 line ministries mandated under the presidential decree in regard to marine debris management, including the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investment Affairs, which acts as a chairman, and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, which acts as a daily chairman. The Head of the Maritime Security Agency is also involved. In total, there are 59 activities of marine debris management mandated under the presidential decree.
To support this objective, the government has committed to allocating USD 1 billion annually to the initiative. As of December 2022, the government reported a 35.36% reduction in marine plastic debris.
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The government introduced a $0.02 tax on single-use plastic bags in 2016
Indonesia is the second-largest plastic polluter in the world after China. The country generates 64 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with 3.2 million tonnes ending up in the sea. In 2016, the Indonesian government introduced a $0.02 tax on single-use plastic bags to reduce plastic consumption. However, this initiative was short-lived as retailers stopped charging for plastic bags later that year, citing a lack of legal grounds.
The introduction of the plastic bag tax was a step towards addressing Indonesia's plastic pollution crisis. With its vast archipelago of over 17,000 islands and 81,000 kilometres of coastlines, Indonesia's marine environment is particularly vulnerable to plastic waste. The country's rivers, such as the Brantas, Ciliwung, Citarum, and Progo, are also significantly impacted, ranking among the 20 most polluted rivers globally. The accumulation of plastic waste in these waterways has detrimental effects on marine life, with animals often entangled in or ingesting non-biodegradable materials.
The $0.02 tax on single-use plastic bags was intended to discourage their use and reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste. However, critics argued that the charge was not high enough to deter consumers significantly. Despite the criticism, the introduction of the tax reflected the Indonesian government's recognition of the plastic waste issue and its commitment to exploring solutions.
While the tax measure had limited success, Indonesia has continued to seek alternative approaches to combat plastic pollution. The government has established an ambitious goal of reducing plastic waste by 70% by 2025 and has committed to allocating $1 billion annually towards this initiative. Additionally, Indonesia has partnered with the World Economic Forum's Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP), the country's National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP), and other organisations to develop comprehensive plans and strategies to address plastic pollution.
To effectively tackle plastic pollution, Indonesia needs to implement holistic measures that address production, consumption, waste management, and community education. This includes investing in waste-collection infrastructure, expanding recycling capabilities, and promoting sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics. By combining policy interventions, technological advancements, and community engagement, Indonesia can make significant strides towards reducing plastic pollution and preserving its beautiful and biodiverse natural environment for future generations.
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Frequently asked questions
Indonesia is the second-largest plastic polluter in the world, producing 64 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, 3.2 million tonnes of which end up in the sea.
The Indonesian government has set a target to reduce plastic waste by 70% by 2025, committing $1 billion annually to the effort. It has also introduced a tax on single-use plastic bags and plans to implement excise taxes on plastic producers.
The Indonesian government's actions to combat plastic use and production have been criticised as relatively toothless compared to efforts in other countries. As of December 2022, the government reported a 35.36% reduction in marine plastic debris, falling short of its target.
The Indonesian government can invest in waste-collection infrastructure and expand safe waste disposal facilities. It can also work to increase recycling capacity and promote community education and participation in plastic waste reduction.
