Govt To Curb Plastic Waste And Impose Stricter Regulations On Paper Waste Import

Friday, 08 Nov 2024

By deriz@insightinnews.com The Minister of Environment, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, has declared a decisive halt to the importation of plastic waste, alongside the implementation of stringent regulations governing paper waste. This pivotal announcement followed his inspection of an unauthorized landfill in Bogor Regency, West Java, on the 4th of November, 2024. Hanif articulated a resolute stance, asserting that Indonesia shall no longer be a receptacle for foreign waste through practices that prioritize industrial convenience. "The costs associated with incineration are substantial. It is far more economical for waste to be disposed of in Indonesia, where there are those willing to import and stockpile it within our borders. This must cease," he asserted. He further highlighted Indonesia's capability to fulfill its plastic waste raw material needs, which are projected to be phased out by 2025. In terms of paper waste, his ministry is poised to enforce more rigorous import standards. Hanif elaborated that of the annual requirement of 14 million tons, around 7 million tons is derived from pulp production within industrial plantations. The remaining 7 million tons comprises 3.5 million tons of domestic plastic waste, with the balance sourced from imports. "We cannot proceed without caution, as a considerable fraction of paper products is re-exported. Thus, it is imperative that we meticulously oversee this cycle," he emphasized. The decision to impose these restrictions is motivated by the understanding that waste imports undermine the government's ongoing initiatives to manage and mitigate waste effectively. "In light of these circumstances, we shall persist in enforcing limitations until waste management practices are significantly enhanced," Hanif concluded. Hanif highlighted the prevailing tolerance threshold for contaminants in non-hazardous waste, currently set at two percent, which includes paper waste. It is expected that one of the strategies to enhance import regulations will focus on minimizing impurity levels in waste to the utmost degree. "I briefed President Prabowo yesterday, and he has also mandated that we halt the importation of plastic waste. Additionally, he has directed us to reassess the guidelines for importing paper intended for recycling," he remarked. According to the National Waste Management Information System (SIPSN) data for 2023, the nation generates a staggering 38.2 million tons of waste, with a mere 61.75 percent effectively managed. Within this total, plastic waste ranks as the second largest category, representing 19.21 percent, trailing behind food waste, which accounts for 39.65 percent.

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