Indonesia has a major plastic waste problem on its hands.

At the moment, the country is second

only to China when it comes to dumping plastic waste into the world’s oceans. “According to a
Study by the University of Georgia, an estimated 3.22 million metric tons of plastic waste is
tossed annually into the ocean surrounding Indonesia, while another 8.82 million metric tons of
China’s plastic waste also makes its way into the ocean”, (Eijas, 2018).
In Indonesia, plastic is everywhere. Aside from plastic bags, one can find everyday objects such
as tables and chairs made from plastic too. This is probably due to the fact that plastic products
are cheap to produce in the country. The ubiquity of plastic bags combined with the lack of
awareness of how damaging plastic waste can be on the environment are probably among the
reasons why Indonesia is facing this predicament.
Impact
In Indonesia, the effects are becoming more apparent as rivers and oceans become clogged up
with plastic waste. 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.
Most plastic is non-recyclable and not biodegradable, meaning that it usually ends up in landfills
– and Indonesia has plenty of them.
These landfills can be hazardous to the environment as plastic waste also releases harmful
chemicals into the atmosphere. Initially, the landfills pollute the groundwater as chemicals seep
into the ground and eventually make their way to rivers and lakes. Landfills also emit methane
gas which is known to contribute to air pollution.
Our health:
Besides assuming a deviant place in marine ecosystems, there are concerns about the synthetic
compounds in plastic that may be oozing into our food. One of the main building blocks of
plastics, bisphenol A (also known as BPA), has been shown to stimulate breast cancer cells
and damage the quality of rat sperm. Phthalates are another subject of disquiet.
What has law got to do with it?

To start with, some basic definitions are needed. It is crucial to distinguish between degradable.
plastic, recyclable plastic, biodegradable plastic and compostable alternatives to plastic

There are widely held misconceptions about plastic said to be degradable. In fragmented form it
can actually leach toxins, enter the food chain and become highly hazardous to the environment
and human health.

Indonesia’s Law on Waste Management states that the national and regional governments share
responsibility for rubbish. But the law does not indicate who is to do what.

The national government has the authority to set national policy and strategy. It’s the only level
of government that can set “norms, standards, procedure and criteria” (article 7).

The national government is also authorised to create incentives and disincentives for reducing
rubbish (article 21). It is unclear whether local governments can do the same.
More than awareness and education

Community awareness about the hazards of poorly managed plastic waste is important. But it’s
unlikely to be sufficient to actually reduce dependency on single-use plastic.

To win the battle against plastic pollution, the Indonesian central and regional governments need
to strengthen their legal framework.

Nationally applicable definitions are needed to distinguish between degradable plastic,

recyclable plastic, biodegradable plastic and compostable plastic alternatives. There is a need to
be clear about responsibility at each level of government and the creation of new norms,
standards, procedures and criteria.

The government must embark on a multi-tiered approach that engages affected communities.
Those who continuously experience plastic pollution live with the urgency for action on a daily
basis.

References
Ariffin, eijas.(2018).Indonesia’s plastic waste problem.Retrieved on December 8, 2018, from
https://theaseanpost.com/article/indonesias-plastic-waste-problem-0

Fierdha chumaira, shenny.(2016).Indonesians welcome pay for plastic bag policy.Retrieved on

December 8, 2018, from https://jakartaglobe.id/news/indonesians-welcome-pay-plastic-
bag-policy/

Gokkon, basten.(2018).As planned excise flops, Indonesia ponders how to give up plastic
bags.Retrieved on December 8, 2018, from https://news.mongabay.com/2018/07/as-
planned-excise-flops-indonesia-ponders-how-to-give-up-plastic-bags/
Salya, ana.(2017).Could this Indonesian invention solve the world’s plastic bag
problem.Retrieved on December 8, 2018, from http://sea-globe.com/indonesia-cassava-
starch-bag/

Trilling, david.(2016).The good and the bad of plastic bag bans: Research review.Retrieved on
December 8, 2018, from https://journalistsresource.org/studies/environment/pollution-
environment/plastic-bag-bans-grocery-shopping-environment