Indonesia's Plastic Problem: Causes And Solutions

Indonesia, the world's largest archipelago, is facing a significant plastic waste problem. The country has been ranked as the second-largest contributor to plastic waste in the world, with its rivers and oceans clogged with plastic waste. The crisis has severe impacts on marine ecosystems, wildlife, human health, and the economy. While the Indonesian government has acknowledged the issue and set ambitious goals for reducing plastic waste, the actions taken so far have been relatively toothless compared to measures implemented by other countries. The main causes of Indonesia's plastic waste problem are inadequate waste management practices, geographical and hydrological conditions, and the abundant rainy season, which contributes to the leakage of plastic from land to the sea.

Inadequate plastic waste management

Indonesia is facing a plastic waste crisis. The country is the second-largest contributor of plastic waste to the world's oceans, trailing only behind China. Indonesia's plastic waste problem is not limited to its oceans, but also extends to its rivers, cities, and coastlines, where the accumulation of toxic plastic waste poses a significant threat to its food systems, the health of its citizens, and its thriving fishing industry.

One of the primary factors contributing to Indonesia's plastic pollution is inadequate plastic waste management practices. According to a 2021 World Bank report, Indonesia generates approximately 7.8 million tons of plastic waste annually, of which a staggering 4.9 million tons is mismanaged. This mismanagement includes plastic waste that goes uncollected due to a lack of formal waste management systems, is disposed of in open dumpsites, or leaks from improperly managed landfills.

The issue of mismanagement is further exacerbated by geographical and hydrological conditions. Indonesia, as the world's largest archipelago, has over 4,000 rivers, and its warm seas cover 81% of its total land area, resulting in increased rainfall. This combination of factors facilitates the transport of plastic waste into the marine environment. Rivers play a significant role, carrying and discharging 83% of the annual plastic debris from land-based sources into the ocean, while only 17% is directly discarded or washed off from coastal areas.

The abundant rainy season in Indonesia further intensifies the problem. The 2021 World Bank study, corroborated by a 2019 Indonesian Institute of Science study, revealed that the amount of plastic waste entering the ocean increases by two to three times during the rainy season. Even short rainfall during the dry season can wash away a significant amount of accumulated mismanaged waste.

To address the inadequate plastic waste management, Indonesia has set ambitious goals, including reducing plastic waste by 70% by 2025 and achieving a plastic pollution-free nation by 2040. To accomplish these objectives, the government has committed to allocating USD 1 billion annually to the initiative. Plans include doubling plastic waste collection to 80% by 2025, improving waste-collection infrastructure, and enhancing recycling capabilities.

In addition to government efforts, Indonesia is witnessing the emergence of ambitious waste management projects, such as Bersih Indonesia, which aims to bring together municipal and national governments, the private sector, and local communities to transform the waste management landscape. By setting up infrastructure and introducing affordable waste collection services, this initiative strives for a financially sustainable waste management model that can be replicated in other underserved communities.

Plastic waste from other countries

Indonesia's plastic waste problem is not just a result of its own waste mismanagement but also due to plastic waste imported from other countries. In 2018, China banned plastic waste imports, which led to exporters in wealthy nations targeting other developing countries, including Indonesia. As a result, Indonesia received a deluge of contaminated, mixed, or unrecyclable plastics from richer nations, particularly those in the West, such as Australia, Europe, and North America.

While Indonesia has tightened its regulations and introduced measures such as requiring prior inspection and registration for every container and only allowing well-sorted scrap imports with impurities not exceeding 2% of the total volume, the problem of plastic waste imports persists. This is due to the absence of participation and adequate enforcement by some countries, including the United States, the world's biggest generator of plastic waste.

The impact of these imported plastics is devastating for Indonesia. The plastic waste clogs rivers, depriving local communities of their source of food and water, and increases the likelihood of flooding. It also ends up in the ocean, where it entangles marine animals, disrupts habitats and food chains, and damages coral reefs. The consumption of microplastics entering the food chain poses risks to human health as well.

Indonesia is taking steps to combat its plastic waste crisis by setting an ambitious goal of reducing plastic waste by 70% by 2025 and committing USD 1 billion annually to this initiative. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen, and stronger, more aggressive actions may be necessary to address the scale of the problem.

Lack of awareness about plastic's environmental impact

Indonesia is known for its stunning beaches and marine biodiversity. However, it has also been recognised as the third-largest ocean plastic polluter in Southeast Asia and the fifth in the world, behind the Philippines, India, Malaysia, and China. Indonesia's plastic waste problem has worsened in recent years, with plastic pollution extending beyond the ocean and into the nation's rivers.

One of the contributing factors to Indonesia's plastic crisis is the lack of awareness about the environmental impact of plastics. Plastic products are cheap to produce in the country, and the ubiquity of plastic bags, combined with a lack of understanding of the damaging effects of plastic waste, has led to a significant plastic waste problem. While there is a growing global movement to eliminate plastics from daily use, and studies have shown the detrimental impact of plastic on the environment, this awareness has not translated into a widespread reduction in plastic use in Indonesia.

The Indonesian government has recognised the urgency of addressing the plastic waste issue and has set ambitious goals, such as reducing plastic waste by 70% by 2025. However, the actions taken by the government have been relatively toothless compared to measures implemented in other countries. While the government has considered implementing excise taxes on plastic producers, observers believe this will not significantly impact plastic use. Indonesia's waste management practices need improvement, and the government must take more aggressive and impactful measures to address the plastic crisis effectively.

The plastic waste crisis in Indonesia has severe consequences, including the entanglement and ingestion of plastic by marine animals, the disruption of habitats and food chains, and damage to coral reefs. Plastic pollution also poses risks to human health through the consumption of microplastics that enter the food chain. Additionally, plastic waste affects economic activities, particularly in the fishing, tourism, and coastal management sectors.

To address the lack of awareness about the environmental impact of plastics, the Indonesian government's strategic plan includes raising public awareness through education and campaigns. By improving waste management systems and promoting the reduction of plastic production, Indonesia can work towards reducing its plastic waste and mitigating the negative consequences on the environment and human health.

Rivers and rainfall

Indonesia is the second-largest contributor to global marine plastic pollution, with rivers playing a significant role in this issue. The country generates approximately 7.8 million tons of plastic waste annually, with 4.9 million tons of plastic waste being mismanaged. This mismanagement includes uncollected waste, disposal in open dumpsites, and leakage from improperly managed landfills.

Direct disposal into water bodies is the primary pathway for plastic waste to reach rivers, largely due to populations lacking access to waste collection services. In Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, the Citarum River is known as the most polluted river globally, with plastic accounting for 74-87% of the total human-generated waste found in its rivers and holding facilities. The Ciliwung River, which also flows through Jakarta, is heavily contaminated with microplastics, threatening human health and aquatic life.

The impact of plastic pollution in rivers extends beyond aesthetics and environmental concerns. The clogged rivers increase the likelihood of flooding, endangering the surrounding communities. Additionally, the plastic waste itself releases harmful chemicals into the water, further contaminating the ecosystem and posing risks to human and aquatic life.

Indonesia has recognized the urgency of addressing its plastic waste problem, with the government setting a target to reduce plastic waste by 70% by 2025. To achieve this, the government has committed to contributing US$1 billion annually and implementing various measures, such as introducing taxes on single-use plastic bags and excise taxes on plastic producers.

While these steps are positive, critics argue that more drastic action is needed. Some suggest that Indonesia should focus on designing a comprehensive waste management system, strengthening solid waste management practices, and improving waste collection coverage to prevent plastic leakage into rivers and the ocean.

Single-use plastics

Indonesia's plastic waste problem is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors. One significant factor is the influx of single-use plastics, which have become a global concern due to their environmental impact.

The issue with single-use plastics lies in their disposal, as they contribute significantly to the country's solid waste. Indonesia's landfills, such as the Bantar Gebang landfill in Jakarta, are already near capacity, struggling to cope with the sheer volume of waste generated. The improper disposal of single-use plastics has led to pollution in Indonesia's oceans and rivers, with the country ranked second behind China for the volume of plastics ending up in its seas. This pollution has severe environmental and health consequences, as toxic chemicals from the plastics contaminate the local food chain, exposing people to toxins linked to cancer, diabetes, and immune system damage.

To address the problem of single-use plastics, the Indonesian government has implemented several measures. These include a ban on single-use plastic bags in the capital, Jakarta, with penalties for violations ranging from warnings to substantial fines. Additionally, the government has introduced a US$0.02 tax on single-use plastic bags to reduce their consumption. However, the effectiveness of these measures has been questioned, and some vendors have expressed confusion and resistance to the ban, citing a lack of viable alternatives.

To make a significant impact on reducing single-use plastics, a multifaceted approach is necessary. This includes improving waste management infrastructure, promoting recycling and the reuse of plastics, and encouraging the development and adoption of environmentally friendly alternatives. Education and awareness campaigns can also play a crucial role in helping individuals understand the environmental and health consequences of single-use plastics, encouraging them to make more sustainable choices.

Frequently asked questions