Despite its awe-inspiring natural beauty, Indonesia, one of the most famous archipelagic nations with the second-longest coastal line in the world, is grappling with an overwhelming volume of marine plastic waste. Research conducted by LIPI (Indonesian Institute of Sciences) using a sampling method in 18 locations in Indonesia reveals that the country produces 0.27 - 0.59 million tons of marine debris per year. Additionally, Indonesia is the world's second-largest contributor to marine plastic pollution, with an estimated annual inflow of 1.29 million metric tons of plastic waste into the oceans.

Nevertheless, the ocean is intimately intertwined with our lives. As the oceanographer, Dr. Sylvia Earle, also the author of The World Is Blue, says, "With every drop of water you drink, every breath you take, you're connected to the sea. No matter where on earth you live." A myriad of marine creatures, ranging from sea turtles to seabirds, find themselves ensnared or ingesting the remnants of mankind's plastic waste, which inflicts wounds, suffocation, and ultimately, the loss of life. Moreover, the pernicious presence of toxic compounds within these plastics permeates the water and soil, posing a grave threat to fragile ecosystems and compromising the well-being of the flora and fauna that call them home. This catastrophe not only imperils the sanctity of nature but also casts a looming shadow over human health. As microplastics infiltrate the very essence of the food chain, those who consume contaminated seafood bear the weight of its long-term consequences. Furthermore, the omnipresent presence of plastic waste permeates human existence, robbing densely populated areas of their visual splendor and exacerbating unsanitary living conditions, thereby undermining the quality of life and overall well-being of the local communities entwined in this cycle of degradation.

In the face of this dire situation, UNDP in Indonesia has taken significant strides to address the challenge of marine debris and promote sustainable waste management practices. It supports the government to strengthen coordination and accelerate the achievement of the goal to reduce marine debris. The long-term target is to meet UNEA 5.2 resolution to reduce plastic pollution near zero in 2040 and support the government’s commitment to 70% plastic waste management by 2025.

To achieve these goals, UNDP Indonesia has been actively engaging a diverse range of stakeholders, including 18 ministries and institutions within Indonesia, in the establishment of the National Coordinating Team for Marine Waste Management (TKN PSL) and National Action Plan. These initiatives, supported by UNDP, aim to enhance coordination, develop policies, and provide expertise to promote effective plastic waste management practices in Indonesia. Notable partnerships in combating plastic waste include the embassy of Norway, the main donor of TKN PSL, which has been supporting marine debris reduction efforts from 2019 to 2024. Remarkably, based on the calculation of marine debris leakage from land-based and sea-based activities conducted by TKN PSL, there has been a 36.35% reduction in marine debris from 2018 to 2022.

UNDP Indonesia also works with the Government of Indonesia in circular economy approaches in National Development Plan, accelerating the achievement of SDGs and net-zero emissions. Through partnerships and technological advancements, the UNDP aims to foster a sustainable and inclusive waste management ecosystem that curbs plastic waste at its source.

UNDP Indonesia also recognizes the importance of circular economy approaches in the National Development Plan, accelerating the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and working towards net-zero emissions. By leveraging partnerships and technological advancements, UNDP aims to foster a sustainable and inclusive waste management ecosystem that curbs plastic waste at its source.

However, addressing the issue of marine debris requires collective efforts from all sectors of society to safeguard invaluable ecosystems and preserve the well-being of people. Ananda Rizky Purwaningdyah, Marine Debris Reporting and Monitoring Officer at the Secretariat of TKN PSL, emphasizes the need for various stakeholders to come together and overcome this challenge. To effectively address the issue, stakeholders should focus on several key areas:

1. Strengthening the institutional and regulatory framework: Clear policies and regulations are essential to drive change and enforce responsible waste management practices.

2. Unlocking innovative finance and technology solutions: Investment in innovative financing mechanisms and technological advancements can accelerate the development and implementation of sustainable waste management systems.

3. Advancing plastic producer companies' accountability and encouraging private sector investment: Encouraging plastic producers to take responsibility for their products throughout their lifecycle and promoting private sector investment in sustainable solutions are vital steps towards mitigating marine debris.

4. Expanding beyond public awareness campaigns to sociopreneurship: Public awareness campaigns alone are insufficient. Encouraging sociopreneurship and supporting initiatives that combine social impact and entrepreneurship can foster sustainable waste management practices.

5. Increasing the construction of waste management facilities and infrastructure at every port: Adequate waste management infrastructure, including waste collection, recycling facilities, and proper waste disposal systems, must be developed and maintained at every port to prevent marine debris from entering the oceans.

6. Mobilizing support from the local community, youth, NGOs, and the private sector: Collaborative efforts involving local communities, youth, NGOs, and the private sector are crucial for the success of marine debris management initiatives. Their participation can drive innovative solutions and create lasting change.

The journey towards a sustainable future is not an easy one, but with steadfast collective efforts, it is an achievable goal. By embracing these actions, we can steer towards a sustainable future, forging an environment that is cleaner, healthier, and more resilient. May this endeavor inspire others to follow suit, allowing the oceans to once again become a wellspring of life and miracles. The United Nations Development Programme remains committed to working alongside governments, communities, and stakeholders to tackle the pressing issue of marine debris and build a sustainable future for all.

Written by Xintong Zhang - International Intern from China Scholarship Council, Edited by Ainagul Abdrakhmanova - Communication Specialist