TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti said Indonesia is considered as one of the largest contributors to the world’s plastic waste following China. She deemed it was “embarrassing” since the fisheries exports rank the country in the global top four.

“[We are] ranked as the second country for its plastic waste contribution. If we don’t prevent this from continuing, the oceans surrounding Indonesia, either the Pacific or the Indian Ocean, will eventually rise in 2030-2050 and beat the fish population,” said Susi to fishermen on Anambas, Riau Islands, yesterday, July 18.

Susi also recalled the moment when she witnessed plastic wastes that were scattered across Jemaja Island’s vicinity, claiming she collected 300 kilograms from the joint-cleaning effort. At that time, Jemaja Island Regent, Indonesian Navy (TNI AL), and officials from the fisheries ministry also joined in the cleaning effort.

She pressed on the urgency to collectively participate in serious efforts to preserve the ocean, especially since the Riau Islands and Anambas intend to improve its tourism and fisheries industry.

Minister Susi recalled that she had promised the United Nations to reduce the country’s plastic waste scattered in the ocean by 75 percent in the year 2025.

MUHAMMAD HENDARTYO