Indonesia reduces 20 percent plastic waste

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – The Indonesia Marine Debris Hotspot has reported that Indonesia ranks second behind China as the world’s biggest waste producer.

In 2010, with a coastal population of 187.2 million, Indonesia produced 3.22 million tons of mismanaged waste annually, and around 0.48-1.29 million metric tons of plastic drifted to the sea each year.

The emergency situation of plastic waste has encouraged the implementation of various efforts to reduce the waste. As a result, until 2019 Indonesia has reduced 20 percent of plastic waste from the target of 75 percent in 2025.

This good news was reported by Indonesia’s Vice President Jusuf Kalla (JK) at the High Level Panel meeting for a Sustainable Ocean Economy which was part of the 74th UN General Assembly at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, United States, on Monday (23 / 09).

Reducing plastic waste is one of Indonesia’s three priorities in the sustainable sea management, the Government News Network (JPP) reported as quoted in Jakarta on Thursday.

“Indonesia also guarantees sustainable fisheries management. The commitment in combating IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing) and organized fisheries crime must be emphasized,” the vice president said.

While the third priority is to mainstream the sea in climate change negotiations. Likewise, Indonesia highlighted the importance of sustainable management of mangroves and peatlands, he added.

“We must maintain a balance between maintaining economic growth and protecting the marine ecosystem to sustain marine resources,” he said.

Reporting by Indonesia Window