Indonesia in a Microplastics Crisis

Indonesia is currently facing a microplastic crisis, with plastic pollution reaching national levels and posing serious threats to human health and the environment. Based on various recent data, microplastics have spread widely into the air, water, food, and even the human body. Microplastics are categorized into two types: primary and secondary microplastics, originating from plastic waste, industrial wastewater (from paper and plastic recycling industries), and microbeads found in personal care products. ECOTON (Ecological Observation and Wetlands Conservation) has proposed setting a Microplastic Standard as a concrete step to address this growing threat.

Why Establishing a Microplastic Standard Is Critical

The pervasive contamination of microplastics in water, air, food, and the human body demands clear and firm regulations. ECOTON urges the government to promptly establish a Microplastic Standard as a strategic move to mitigate the impact of this pollution. The proposed standard aims to safeguard the quality of water, air, and food products, thereby protecting public health and preserving the environment.

Key Facts About Microplastic Pollution in Indonesia:

1. Indonesia: The 3rd Largest Plastic Pollution Contributor in the WorldAccording to data from Kompas.com in 2024, Indonesia ranks third as the world's largest contributor to plastic pollution, following India and Nigeria. India leads the world with 10.2 million metric tons of plastic pollution per year, compared to Nigeria with 3.5 million metric tons, and Indonesia with 3.4 million metric tons annually. China ranks fourth, contributing 2.8 million metric tons per year.
2. Microplastic Pollution in Indonesia’s Rivers Results from the Nusantara River Expedition reveal that microplastics have been detected in major rivers across Indonesia. Microplastics from degraded plastic waste flow into rivers, entering freshwater ecosystems and eventually reaching the ocean. This plastic pollution mainly originates from poorly managed domestic and industrial waste, directly disposed of into the environment, including rivers. Alarmingly, 80% of Indonesia’s rivers are used as raw material for the state-owned drinking water company (PDAM), which supplies water consumed by millions of Indonesians.
3. Microplastic Consumption by Indonesians According to a 2024 study published in the Environmental Science & Technology journal, Indonesians are estimated to consume about 15 grams of microplastics per month—equivalent to the size of an ATM card. Indonesia thus ranks highest in the world for microplastic consumption. Microplastics enter the human body primarily through ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption, originating from aquatic sources like seafood and rivers, single-use plastics, contaminated water and air, and personal care products containing microbeads.
4. Air Contaminated with Microplastics Microplastic contamination isn't limited to water. The air we breathe is also tainted. According to ECOTON's research conducted between 2022 and 2024, every individual in Indonesia could inhale around 90 microplastic particles per hour, which can enter the respiratory system and cause various health problems.
5. 80% of Fish in Indonesia Contain Microplastics About 80% of fish consumed by Indonesians, including species like tilapia, milkfish, and Nile tilapia, are contaminated with microplastics. This highlights how microplastics have infiltrated the human food chain, posing severe health risks.
6. Microplastics Composed of Over 14,000 Chemicals, Including EDCs (Endocrine Disrupting Compounds)Recent research indicates that microplastics have been found in human breast milk, amniotic fluid, urine, and feces in Indonesia. This contamination increases the risk of long-term health problems, including hormonal and reproductive issues. Microplastics are made up of more than 14,000 chemical additives, including EDCs (Endocrine Disrupting Compounds), which can alter the expression of hormone receptors and disrupt hormone synthesis, secretion, transport, and action, leading to endocrine disorders, developmental issues, and a weakened immune system. Due to their large surface area and hydrophobic properties, microplastics can carry pollutants such as EDCs, heavy metals, and toxic organic compounds, which are dangerous for organisms, particularly humans, through bioaccumulation and biomagnification processes. Microplastics and their toxic additives can pass through biological membranes, including the blood-brain barrier, further disrupting hormonal receptors.

ECOTON’s Recommendations to the Indonesian Government

1. Mandate the establishment of safe limits or Microplastic Standards in drinking water, fish, and industrial wastewater, particularly from the paper and plastic recycling industries.
2. Require the government to conduct comprehensive and periodic tests for microplastic levels in rivers, surface water used for drinking, and air.
3. Mandate testing of microplastic levels in fish, particularly species like tilapia, Nile tilapia, red and white carp, wader, belida, cakalang, and milkfish.
4. Require the government to conduct toxicological tests on microplastics for standard-setting purposes.
5. Mandate PDAM to regularly test the microplastic content in the water distributed to the public.
6. Ban the production of cosmetics and personal care products containing microbeads.
7. Establish a Microplastic Control Agency tasked with:
• Coordinating microplastic management policies.
• Inspecting and evaluating the effectiveness of policies.
• Providing recommendations for laws and policies related to microplastics.
• Coordinating international cooperation on microplastic reduction.

Proposed Microplastic Standards Addressed to Four Key Institutions:

1. Commission IV of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) – This legislative body oversees environmental, forestry, and maritime affairs. As the legislative arm responsible for making and passing laws, it plays a crucial role in supporting and enacting policies related to microplastic standards.
2. Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) – KLHK is directly responsible for protecting and managing Indonesia’s environment, including monitoring water, air, and soil quality, all of which are affected by microplastic pollution. Through KLHK, microplastic standards can be implemented across environmental sectors.
3. Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investment Affairs – This ministry oversees policies related to maritime affairs and investment, including the management of marine resources and fisheries. Microplastics have polluted Indonesia’s seas, affecting the quality of fish, which are an essential food source for the public.
4. Ministry of Health – The Ministry of Health is responsible for protecting public health from the harmful effects of microplastics, which have been found in the human body, including in the blood, breast milk, amniotic fluid, urine, and feces. Microplastics contain hazardous chemicals that can trigger hormonal, reproductive, and chronic health issues.

Indonesia's proposed microplastic standard follows the path set by South Korea and California, both of which have begun the process of establishing microplastic regulations to protect the environment and public health. South Korea has introduced comprehensive legislation, while California is committed to reducing microplastic emissions through strict regulations.

“By implementing microplastic standards, Indonesia can take progressive steps toward preserving environmental quality and safeguarding public health from the threat of microplastics” Rafika Aprilianti, Head of Microplastic Laboratory.