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Bekasi to ban plastic bags in March
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Plastic men: Two people dressed up in used plastic bags participate in a plastic bag diet campaign during Car Free Day on Jl. MH Thamrin, Central Jakarta. As the world faces chronic plastic waste problems, many movements have been launched to encourage people to reduce their use of plastic. (The Jakarta Post/P.J.Leo )
Bekasi in West Java is set to implement a ban on single-use plastic bags in March, starting with modern retailers.
Ferdinan, head of the Bekasi Environment Agency’s environmental management and capacity building division, said the advanced notice would allow retailers to prepare for the new policy.
He added that the agency would hold a focus group discussion on the ban, participated by retail shop owners, the general public and environmentally friendly plastic providers.
"We will convey the message that plastic waste is already a global problem as well as a national one," Ferdinan told Tempo on Monday.
The Bekasi administration is considering bioplastics made of vegetables and bags made out of cloth or other materials that are easily degradable to replace single-use plastic bags.
"We will announce the details of the policy to the public soon," he added.
According to a survey, household plastics are the biggest contributor to plastic waste, with an average person using up to 700 grams of plastic daily on a nationwide scale.
"It should start with consumers, meaning that when they leave their home, they should bring their own reusable bag," Ferdinan said.
The policy was based on Mayoral Law No. 61/2018 on reducing plastic usage.
Bekasi produces around 800 tons of plastic waste per day. (mai)
