Indonesia faces a serious challenge with plastic waste leaking into the oceans, which has significant economic impacts. According to BRIN (National Innovation Research Agency) researcher Muhammad Reza Cordova, the losses from plastic waste leakage could reach up to Rp 225 trillion (USD15 Billion)  per year. Although the government aims to reduce plastic waste leakage by 70% by 2025, the current achievement stands at only 41.68% in 2024.

The BRIN researcher explains that the estimates are based on research utilizing artificial intelligence to detect types of plastic waste, involving academics from various multidisciplinary fields. These estimated losses, Reza elaborates, include economic losses, impacts on tourism, health, and technical aspects.

From the news coverage, we have not yet received detailed information specifying the potential losses by category. We have made our own assumptions about possible loss values, such as:

Economic Loss Estimates

• Plastic Waste Volume Calculation

  • Leakage Estimate: The average plastic waste leakage into the oceans from 2018 to 2023 is approximately 484,000 tons per year. This figure provides an overview of the scale of the problem.

• Economic Loss Assessment

  • Losses in the Fisheries Sector: Plastic contamination in the oceans can damage fish habitats and reduce catch yields. The losses in this sector are estimated at Rp 50 trillion, covering reduced catch and habitat damage.

  • Losses in the Tourism Sector: Polluted beaches can decrease tourist visits, with losses estimated around Rp 75 trillion per year.

  • Cleanup Costs: The cost of cleaning plastic waste, although variable, is estimated at around Rp 50 trillion. This figure is more conservative compared to the initial estimate that could reach Rp 484 trillion, as efficient cleanup costs are often lower.

  • Health Costs: The impact of microplastics on health could add an additional burden of around Rp 25 trillion.

The total estimated loss based on rough calculations is around Rp 200 trillion. However, the Rp 225 trillion figure might include additional external factors, long-term impacts, and indirect costs.

Handling Strategies

• Efficient Waste Management

  • Infrastructure Improvement: Investment in waste management infrastructure, such as well-managed landfills and recycling facilities, is necessary to reduce plastic waste leakage.

  • Collection and Sorting Systems: Implementing source separation systems and regular collection can help ensure plastics are recycled or disposed of properly.

• Policies and Regulations

  • Ban on Single-Use Plastics: Implementing regulations that restrict or ban single-use plastics like shopping bags and straws.

  • Incentives for Alternative Materials: Providing incentives for companies using environmentally friendly packaging materials.

• Awareness and Education

  • Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about the negative impacts of plastic waste through media campaigns and education.

  • Education and Training Programs: Providing training for waste managers and industries on effective waste management techniques.

• Technological Innovation

  • Detection and Processing Technologies: Developing technologies for detecting and managing plastic waste, and bioremediation using microbes.

  • Ocean Cleanup: Utilizing technologies like waste collection nets and sea drones to clean plastic from the oceans.

• International and Community Cooperation

  • International Partnerships: Collaborating with other countries in addressing global plastic waste issues.

  • Community Programs: Encouraging local community involvement in beach cleanup and waste management activities.

• Circular Economy Implementation

  • Circular Economy Model: Prioritizing recycling and reuse of materials to reduce the production of new waste.

• Waste Management Budget

  • Budget Allocation: Waste management budgets, including for marine waste, are often included in the budgets of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK), Public Works and Housing (PUPR), and the team TKNPSL established to assist in marine waste management. However, it seems that the budget for waste management is insufficient, as reflected by BRIN researchers' statements indicating plastic waste leakage leading to potential national losses of up to Rp 225 trillion.

Conclusion

The estimated annual loss of Rp 225 trillion (USD15 Billion) from plastic waste leakage into the oceans reflects a serious economic and environmental impact. Reducing plastic waste leakage requires a comprehensive approach involving investment in infrastructure, stringent policies, public awareness, and technological innovation. Increasing budget allocation and collaboration among various parties are also crucial for effectively addressing this issue.

Invitation to collaboration

We invite all parties—businesses, non-governmental organizations, and the community—to join us in a collaborative effort to address the issue of marine debris. By combining our strengths and resources, we can make a significant impact in reducing economic losses and protecting our environment.

Join us in our initiatives to:

• Reduce the use of single-use plastics and switch to eco-friendly alternatives.

• Support beach and ocean cleanup projects by providing funding and resources.

• Invest in innovative technologies for detecting and managing marine debris.

• Enhance public awareness and education about the impacts of plastic waste.

• Advocate for policies and regulations that reduce plastic waste and improve management.

• Implement more efficient recycling and waste management systems.

• Form strategic partnerships to coordinate efforts and resources.

Let’s work together to create effective and sustainable solutions for a cleaner and healthier ocean.

Join us in this endeavor and contribute to positive change. Through collaboration, we can achieve greater and more meaningful results.