Producers in Indonesia are legally required to manage waste, particularly non-biodegradable packaging and products, under regulations such as Law No. 18/2008 on Waste Management and Ministry of Environment and Forestry Regulation No. P.75/2019. These laws mandate producers, including those in manufacturing, food and beverage services, and retail, to plan, manage, and report on waste reduction activities. Responsibility covers packaging materials like plastic, aluminum cans, glass, and paper. By 2024, producers were expected to fully implement waste reduction measures. However, challenges persist, as 40% of the 41.08 million tons of waste generated annually remain unmanaged, with the majority originating from households, markets, and businesses.
Data from the National Waste Management System (SIPSN) reveals that food waste accounts for nearly 40% of total waste, followed by plastic waste at 19.1%. Provinces like East Java, West Java, and Central Java are the largest contributors, collectively producing over 17 million tons of waste annually. A significant portion of unmanaged waste ends up in illegal landfills, exacerbating environmental issues in high-waste provinces. This highlights the urgent need for stricter enforcement and better collaboration between producers, the government, and the public to address Indonesia’s growing waste problem.