Ocean Plastics Pollution Disheartens Minister Susi Pudjiastuti

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - In numerous occurrences, Fisheries and Maritime Affairs Minister Susi Pudjiastuti calls for the public to immediately reduce the use of plastic, especially disposable plastic bags that are not a rare item used by people in shopping centers or traditional markets.

Not long ago, Minister Susi once again pled the public, especially in Banyuwangi, to act now in cleaning the ocean and coastlines from plastic waste before it is too late.

In an Instagram video she posted, she commented on the beautiful scenery that was disrupted by the sight of plastic bottles among swimming fishes. “Among the gorgeous fishes, we can see there’s a plastic bottle waste there. This is saddening,” she said in the video posted on Wednesday, April 3, while visiting Bangsring, Banyuwangi.

Furthermore, Susi Pudjiastuti rallied the region’s youths to local Tabuhan island to participate in cleaning its environment from plastic waste. “Come on and preserve the ocean, starting from the area in our neighborhood,” she said. “How would [you] able to enjoy healthy fish resources if we continue to pollute the only place they live in.”

The actively environmentally-conscious minister even said that Indonesia should be ashamed by Kenya, where plastic has been made illegal. “I will also enforce that regulation, at least within the Ministry Headquarters,” said Susi Pudjiastuti.

AISHA SHAIDRA | DIAS PRASONGKO

Read: Susi Pudjiastuti Talks of DPR`s Use of Disposable Plastic Bottles