Indonesia Pushes for Global Agreement on Plastic Pollution, Handling Starts from the Upstream

JAKARTA, GARISBUMI.com – Indonesia is pushing for the preparation of a legally binding international agreement to end plastic pollution, with comprehensive treatment from design and production to waste management. This approach was highlighted in informal consultations that brought together delegates from 11 countries in Jakarta, 13–15 October 2026.

The meeting entitled Jakarta Informal Consultation Meeting on the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on Plastic Pollution was held by the Ministry of the Environment/Environmental Control Agency (KLH/Environmental Management Agency (BPLH)) together with the Ministry of Climate and Environment of the Kingdom of Norway.

The forum is a space for exchanging views to find common ground in developing global instruments to control plastic pollution, including pollution in the marine environment.

Director of Waste Reduction and Circular Economy Development at KLH/Environmental Management Agency (BPLH), Agus Rusly, said the agreement must be implemented by considering the conditions and capabilities of each country.

"KLH/Environmental Management Agency (BPLH) supports the preparation of international instruments that are effective and can be implemented, while still paying attention to national sovereignty, the balance between the right to a good and healthy environment and the right to development, as well as the National Plan as the main basis for implementation. Global efforts also need to consider differences in the conditions and capabilities of each country," said Agus in a statement from KLH/Environmental Management Agency (BPLH)'s Public Relations.

Through a whole plastic life cycle approach, pollution control includes product design, production processes, consumption, waste management, and preventing waste from entering the environment. Its implementation requires cooperation between the government, business actors, the community and waste managers.