TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Jakarta Environment Agency ensured that administrative sanctions for violating the plastic ban policy did not target consumers or buyers. This was to clarify broadcast messages that traders and buyers who did not comply with the mandatory use of eco-friendly shopping bags would be fined Rp25 million.

“There is no sanction for consumers or buyers. A sanction for market operators tends to act as a guide and is imposed gradually,” said the agency head Andono in a written statement, Thursday, July 9.

He reiterated that the sanction was regulated in the Jakarta Gubernatorial Regulation No. 142/2019. “Administrative sanctions are only given to operators of shopping centers, supermarkets, and traditional markets,” Andono said.

Previously, messages circulating via Whatsapp noted that the Jakarta administration conducted a monitoring on the use of disposable plastic bags and would sanction violators up to Rp25 million.

Andono acknowledged that the broadcast messages had been circulated since Monday, July 6, clarifying that the monitoring was not to seek violations and gain revenue but an effort to change the public behavior.

The plastic ban policy was aimed at creating Jakarta as an eco-friendly city, Andono underlined.

Read: Jakarta Introduces Ban on Plastic Bags Ahead of July 1

GABRIEL | MARTHA WARTA S