Pollution that goes beyond comprehension

In Indonesia, plastic waste is a major concern, but various stakeholders are working to resolve it. Plastic pollution in Indonesia generates a whole slew of environmental and economic problems, exacerbating poverty. New measures and efforts may be able to assist the country get back on track and improve the lives of many people.

The Crisis of Plastic Waste

Indonesia is presently undergoing a pollution crisis on land as well as in the waterways surrounding these islands. Indonesia is the second-largest contributor of plastic debris in the ocean, only behind China. This waste has negative economic implications for the country, its citizens, and its neighbors as well.

Currently, Indonesia generates 6.8 million tons of plastic waste per year, with only about 10% of it ending up in recycling centers. Annually, around 625,000 tons of plastic waste end up in the oceans. Landfills are frequently located near settlements, resulting in hazardous effluent leaking into neighboring farmland and impeding crop growth.

This also permeates rivers, affecting the lives of individuals who rely on the river's water. The fishing industry is also negatively affected by the impact of plastic pollution in the oceans, which endangers marine life. Viral videos of trash-choked beaches in tourist destinations including Bali also express concern in the tourism sector, which would be a huge malediction to Indonesia's economy. Fortunately, the problem has been addressed, and measures are in the works to solve Indonesia's plastic trash problem.

What we as a community can do

Recent years have seen a rise in the popularity of community cleanup projects. Beach cleanups are a simple and efficient approach to enlist the help of the public. More than 20,000 people came together in 76 sites around Indonesia in August 2018 for a one-day beach cleaning that also succeeded in raising awareness about the trash issue.

Here are some of the things you can do:

• Don’t use single-use plastics

• Recycle, donate, repair

• Participate in cleanup efforts

• Get politically active

What we’ve achieved so far

The most essential measures to solve the plastic trash issue in Indonesia have been implemented at both the regional and state levels of government. At the end of 2018, the island of Bali banned all single-use plastics. In 2020, the Indonesian city of Jakarta outlawed single-use plastic bags in its retail malls and street markets.

Though reducing plastic waste in Indonesia and its oceans is a challenge, ordinary people and the government of Indonesia are taking proactive steps. These efforts will have a positive impact on livelihoods, the economy, and the health of people. The future looks bright for a cleaner Indonesia.