Indonesia's government says that it is working to address the plastic waste problem and has had some success in mechanisms such as reducing marine plastic waste and also promoting recycling among many communities. Indonesia has also expressed support for the global plastics treaty, which is being discussed in Canada this week.

Jakarta

Title: Indonesia Grapples with Plastic Waste Crisis

Indonesia, recognized as one of the top contributors to the global plastic waste dilemma, faces a significant environmental challenge. The nation generates approximately 7.8 million tonnes of plastic waste annually. In areas like Depok, on the outskirts of Jakarta, the effects of what environmental groups have termed a plastic waste crisis are starkly visible. Piles of plastic waste, including bags and other items, have accumulated over many years, not in landfills, but as overflow from the saturated Cepayung landfill, where garbage has amassed to heights over 35 meters.

These overburdened landfills, common throughout Indonesia, struggle primarily with the disposal of single-use sachets. These items, though individually small, contribute substantially to the nation's plastic pollution, exacerbating environmental strains. The Indonesian government acknowledges the severity of the crisis and has initiated efforts aimed at mitigating plastic waste. Measures have seen some success in reducing marine plastic waste and promoting recycling efforts across numerous communities.

Furthermore, Indonesia has voiced its support for the Global Plastics Treaty, a pivotal subject of discussion in Canada. Recognizing the pressing need for international cooperation, the Indonesian government has highlighted the importance of technological and financial support for countries to effectively adhere to the treaty's stipulations. As discussions unfold, Indonesia's proactive stance on confronting its plastic waste emergency reflects a broader recognition of the global nature of the plastic pollution problem.



Indonesia grapples with plastic waste crisis

Indonesia is one of the world's top contributors of plastic waste, accounting for around 7.8 million tonnes of plastic waste each year. And it's at locations like where I am in Depok, on the outskirts of Jakarta, where you can see the scale of what environmental groups call a plastic waste crisis in Indonesia. So much plastic waste here. You can find all kinds of plastic, plastic bags and others. You can see those in the piles up there. These have been here for many years. What you're looking at now is not a landfill, but rather overflow from the nearby Cepayung landfill. Now the garbage there has reached a height of more than 35 metres and is well over capacity. And this is just one of many landfills around the country that have reached or exceeded capacity, mostly due to an excess of plastic pollution. The most common plastic pollution in Indonesia are single-use sachets, which environmental groups say are small, but accumulate and add to the country's environmental burden. Indonesia's government says that it is working to address the plastic waste problem and has had some success in mechanisms such as reducing marine plastic waste and also promoting recycling among many communities. Indonesia has also expressed support for the Global Plastics Treaty, which is being discussed in Canada this week. It has also expressed its view that some countries may need technological and financial support to ensure the smooth implementation of such an agreement. Jessica Washington, Aljazeera, Depok, Indonesia.

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