The Ocean is Not a Giant Garbage Dump

The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries continues to follow up on the target of reducing plastic waste by up to 70 percent by 2025. This target is under Presidential Regulation (Perpres) Number 83 of 2018. 

So the Ministry reminds the public that the sea is not a giant trash can. "Trash that is not managed properly will be a threat to the sea and the ecosystem and will definitely have an impact on us," stressed the Director General of Marine and Marine Space Management (PKRL), Victor Gustaaf Manoppo.

The reason is, that the sea with all its uniqueness, biodiversity, and rich resources has become, and will remain, the hope and future of society. Plastic waste that is not managed properly will become microplastics and nanoplastics, damaging coastal ecosystems and being eaten by marine biota. This will, of course, impact marine health, aquatic productivity, and even human health.

"Until 2022, the reduction in plastic waste in the sea will only reach 35.36% (TKN-PSL data), he said.

According to Victor, several sustainable programs have been implemented in the form of education, campaigns, and concrete actions to clean up marine waste. This is done with the participation of fishermen through the National Movement: Love of the Sea Month. 

The Love of the Sea Month action has been initiated since 2022 in 14 districts and cities, with 89.44 tons of waste collected by 1,508 fishermen. In 2023, in 18 districts and cities, a total of 171.78 tons of waste will be collected by 1,350 fishermen.