THE PLASTIC WASTE CRISIS IN INDONESIA AND THAILAND: CHALLENGES, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS, AND SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62567/micjo.v2i3.945Keywords:
Plastic Waste, Indonesia, ThailandAbstract
The plastic waste crisis in Indonesia and Thailand is one of the biggest environmental
challenges in Southeast Asia, triggered by increased plastic consumption due to urbanization,
economic growth and modern lifestyles. This study aims to analyze the challenges,
environmental impacts, and sustainable solutions related to plastic waste management in both
countries. The method used is qualitative analysis based on secondary data from scientific
literature, reports of international institutions. The results show that Indonesia faces serious
problems in plastic waste management that cause marine pollution to other countries, while
Thailand struggles with the high volume of domestic and imported plastic waste. The
resulting environmental impacts include damage to marine ecosystems, threats to
biodiversity, and human health risks from microplastics. Recommended solutions include the
implementation of national regulations that support sustainability principles, 3R (Reduce,
Reuse, Recycle) strategies, promotion of eco-friendly packaging, and public education to
reduce the use of single-use plastics. The study concludes that regional collaboration among
ASEAN countries is needed to effectively address the plastic waste crisis to protect
ecosystems and human health in the long term.
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