Plastic in Indonesia

“Indonesia’s Plastic Waste Problem”

Source: https://theaseanpost.com/article/indonesias-plastic-waste-problem

• Based on a study done by the University of Georgia, around 3.22 million metric tons of plastic waste end up in the ocean around Indonesia

• 4 of Indonesia’s rivers (Brantas, Solo, Serayu, and Progo) are among of the top 20 most polluted rivers on Earth

• In 2018, plastic waste in Bandung was so concentrated that locals said it looked like an iceberg 

• Everything in Indonesia is made from plastic because they are easy to produce due to all the plastic imports

• Rivers clogged with plastic reduce local food and water sources and increase risks of flooding 

• The Banter Geband landfill is the largest landfill in Indonesia. It has 5,000 tons of solid waste delivered to it every day. Chemicals from such landfills pollute groundwater and pollute the air with methane.

• Solutions in India:

  • In New Delhi, there is a ban on single-use plastic, and anyone caught selling plastic must pay a fine of up to US$367

“Indonesia’s Battle Against Plastic Pollution

Source: https://th.boell.org/en/2019/10/28/indonesias-battle-against-plastic-pollution

• Indonesia was nominated as the second-largest plastic polluter in the ocean 

• In 2017, Indonesia imported 10,000 tons of plastic per month. In 2018, that number increased to 35,000 tons per month.

• Most of the imported plastic was in poor condition and could not be recycled. They would either be transported to landfills or unoccupied land within the community. Sometimes, waste would be burned in open areas. 

• Waste management strategies: educating the public, improving waste management system in order to minimize the amount of plastics entering the ocean, and making companies responsible for managing/reducing their waste