TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The discovery of a dead sperm whale digested nearly 6 kg of plastic waste in Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi, was a firm warning to the Indonesian government.

Indonesia is known to be the second largest producer of plastic waste just right behind China. Around 3.2 million tons of plastic waste pollutes the ocean annually. This issue arose during the Convention on Biological Diversity held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.

“A multinational partnership is necessary since the plastic wastes that end up floating in Indonesian waters also originate from other countries,” said the Assistant Deputy of the Coordinating Ministry of Maritime Affairs Andri Wahono in between events at the convention yesterday, Nov. 21.

According to Andi, the discovery of the 9.5-meter long sperm whale that was found decomposing at the waters of Kapota Village in the Wakatobi Regency should be a public reminder on the dangers of plastic waste and its lasting effects against maritime animals.

“There used to be a program that forces people to pay for plastic bags. But it did not progress since it was protested by businesses,” said Andri.

However, the Coordinating Minister of Maritime Affairs is interested in introducing a regulation that gradually limits the use of plastic in the form of either a presidential decree or government regulation which will involve other state ministries as well.

According to WWF, the sperm whale had ingested 115 plastic glasses, plastic bottles, plastic bags, wooden debris, a pair of sandals, 200 nylon bags, and 3.2 kilograms of plastic ropes, that reach a total weight of 5.9 kilograms.

SHINTA MAHARANI