Innovation, education and overcoming the plastic challenge in Indonesia

Cafe and homestay owner Iwan Dento is an example of business adaptation as Indonesia confronts its plastic waste problem and strives for a more environmentally sustainable future.

Iwan’s cafe in Maros, Rumah ke2, seeks to reduce plastic waste and recycle the plastic that is still in use. A shredding machine is used to break down plastic for recycling, while a self-built trash house is used for storage.

“We manage plastic waste into simple recycling products that have sales value such as tumbler bags and tissue holders,” Iwan says.

“But the most important thing is to reduce the use of single-use plastic, for example by using bamboo pipettes, wooden chairs and rice baskets.’

According to the UN Environment Programme, Indonesia is the second largest plastic polluter after China, producing 3.2 million tonnes of unmanaged plastic waste a year.

Iwan, who also converts organic kitchen waste into fertiliser, represents the growing awareness in Indonesia of the need to tackle the issue of plastic waste.

His plan is to be a part of a sustainable village that encourages environmentally friendly behaviours.

“The environment is a living space and livelihood and we depend on it,” he says.

“Interaction with the environment will give birth to habits, habits become culture and culture will become our identity.”

Dr Shinta Werorilangi from the Marine Plastic Research Group at Universitas Hasanuddin hopes to help overcome the plastic problem through education and government action.

Shinta co-authored an AICPAIR report into end-of-life plastics in aquaculture and sees dealing with plastic waste as part of a larger effort towards climate change adaptation.

Microplastics are often produced from non-renewable resources like oil, natural gas and coal, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming.

“This connection highlights the interdependence of microplastic production and climate change, emphasising the need to address both issues simultaneously.”

An increase in frequency of extreme weather events can also accelerate the dispersion of plastic litter into the environment.

Shinta co-authored an AICPAIR report into end-of-life plastics in aquaculture and sees dealing with plastic waste as part of a larger effort towards climate change adaptation.

Microplastics are often produced from non-renewable resources like oil, natural gas and coal, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming.

“This connection highlights the interdependence of microplastic production and climate change, emphasising the need to address both issues simultaneously.”

An increase in frequency of extreme weather events can also accelerate the dispersion of plastic litter into the environment.

Pajokka’s business, Penggerak Pariwisata Pajokka Balocci, also performs a river clean-up (BERSIH SUNGAI) program every year, educating the local community about litter prevention.

“I am very passionate about the environment out of love for nature and feel a responsibility to preserve it for future generations,” Pajokka says.

“Seeing the positive impact of environmental conservation efforts, both directly and indirectly, provides satisfaction and motivation to continue contributing.”

According to Shinta local level education and public self-help groups (Kelompok Swadaya Masyarakat or KSM) can have meaningful community impacts.

“The most important thing is getting the local and regional governments to commit to making waste management a first priority,” she says.

“The level of [community] awareness of the negative impact of plastic waste on the environment [at the moment] is minimal, and even less about microplastic.

“We need to raise awareness about the dangers of plastic waste in the environment, its negative impact on marine organisms and the food chain, and the effects on seafood sources and the amenities of using polluted aquatic environments.”

The report into end-of-life plastics co-authored by Shinta revealed several findings including:

• A significant presence of microplastics throughout the local environment, indicating a serious pollution issue.
• Microplastics impact many aspects of marine life, not just seawater. These tiny plastic particles are found throughout ocean environments.
• The microplastics come in different size, form and colour, ranging from less than one millimetre to five millimetres. They are found primarily in the form of lines, fragments and foam-like pieces. The colour that showed up the most was blue.
• The study highlighted the problem with how plastic bottles are used in seaweed farming, especially in places like Pitu Sunggu. Farmers typically use plastic bottles in farming practices, which over time degrade and significantly add to the accumulation of marine waste.
• There are already rules set by the Ministry of Marine and Fisheries for managing waste. But in Pitu Sunggu, these rules are not being followed well. This failure to enforce the rules is adding to the environmental problems the local community is facing.

The study recommended implementing the regional waste management strategy, improving waste management through education and innovating sustainable seaweed farming practices.

Feature image by Unsplash.