While global leaders failed to agree on whether to stop the growth of plastic production, a group of UK researchers claims a new evidence-backed report gives Indonesia a 26-point plan to act now.
The deadlock apparent at the talks’ conclusion, on 14 August, leaves progress towards a global agreement on ending plastics pollution in limbo.
However, the UK-funded report offers Indonesia – and other countries facing similar challenges – a roadmap to tackle plastic waste on their terms, says the group behind it, which was led by Brunel University of London.
The policy paper, “Evidence-Based Strategies for Reducing Plastic Waste in Indonesia”, released in the days following the conclusion of talks in Geneva, offers 26 practical steps to reduce pollution: from progressively restricting – and ultimately banning – dumping and burning, to redesigning packaging, to improving waste services and supporting the people who handle recycling.
“The breakdown in treaty talks shows just how difficult global consensus is,” said Professor Susan Jobling, the report’s lead author. “But countries like Indonesia cannot wait. Every delay means more plastic waste enters rivers, oceans, and food chains, more is burned in communities, more pressure on waste workers, and more consequent damage to health, livelihoods and the natural world.
“This policy report provides the tools Indonesia needs to act now – cutting pollution at source, strengthening governance, and protecting people and nature.”
Indonesia’s deputy minister for circular economy and environmental impact, Rofi Alhanif welcomes the reports recommendations: “In line with the direction of our leadership, and irrespective of the outcome of a global treaty, the Government of Indonesia remains steadfast in its commitment to address plastic pollution.
“We will continue to pursue our national targets through the transformation of waste management systems, including plastic waste management, while also working to reduce single-use packaging and minimize the risk of environmental leakage.”
While global agreements are critical, national and local action is equally essential, stressed Dr Eleni Iacovidou, co-lead author. “Our research provides the evidence to support Indonesia’s ambition to turn sustainable plastic management into real, lasting impact,” she said. The Asian Institute of Technology’s Professor Joyashree Roy (also co-lead author) highlighted the economic stakes: “Indonesia can reduce its annual fiscal losses significantly through plastics management actions.”
The report’s recommendations are based on a four-year research programme led by Brunel University of London and its Indonesian partners. Backed by UK Research and Innovation’s Global Challenges Research Fund, The PISCES project (Plastics in Indonesian Societies), examined how plastic is bought, used, and thrown away in daily life. Its findings will inform Indonesia’s National Plan of Action, expected to launch in 2026.
