TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Retailers' Association (Aprindo) has stopped charging plastic bags to customers of supermarkets as per October 1st. Retailers decided to give plastic bags for free until the government issues a new rule that has more legal power.

The decision is made based on the many pros and cons from retailers operating in many provinces.

"After taking into account the effect of the policy, we decided to give free plastic bags again starting on October 1, 2016, until the Environment and Forestry Ministry issues a regulation with legal binds," Aprindo chairman Roy N. Mandey said on Monday, October 3.

The plastic charge policy was put into trial since February 21 in 22 cities following a circular issued by the Director General of Waste Management, Waste, Toxic and Hazardous Materials (PSLB3).

"During the trial period, modern retailers reported to the Environment and Forestry Ministry via Aprindo. We used the report as an evaluation material," Roy said.

In the first three months of the program, the use of plastic bags was reduced by 25-30 percent, which led the PSLB3 DG to extend the trial period until a ministry regulation is issued.

The problem is, Roy said, the program sparked consumers' protests that lead to threats of legal actions. The plastic charge is seen as businesses' way of charging customers with additional costs without the support of a legally-binding regulation.

"The protests continued despite our dissemination programs in a number of media; including displaying the circular from the PSLB3 in retail outlets that are Aprindo members."

Roy said the protests caused a number of retailers to back-down from the program, which led to unhealthy business competition.

He said Aprindo still supports the government to help maintain the environment despite stopping the program. The association is committed to reapply the program once a minister's regulation is issued.

PINGIT ARIA