Since January 1, 2025, Indonesia has officially put a stop to the import of plastic waste. This decision was confirmed by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, citing the Trade Minister Regulation which requires that any import of plastic scrap must first obtain a formal recommendation from the Ministry of Environment.
As of 2025, no such recommendations have been granted, effectively bringing all plastic waste imports to a halt. The policy marks a significant step in Indonesia’s efforts to strengthen environmental protection and reduce the ecological risks associated with imported waste.
The Scale of Indonesia’s Plastic Waste Imports
Indonesia has long been a major destination for recycled waste shipments, particularly from the European Union. According to Eurostat data, in 2023 the EU exported around 8.5 million tons of recyclable waste, including paper, plastic, and glass, to various countries, up 34% from 6.4 million tons in 2022. Interestingly, compared to a decade ago in 2013, the volume sent to Indonesia has decreased by 44% from 9 million tons.
Paper accounted for the largest share at 81.6% of total exports, followed by plastics at 15.6% and glass at 2.8%. Using data from GoodStats, the top plastic waste suppliers to Indonesia were the Netherlands (107,500 tons), Germany (59,100 tons), and Belgium (28,800 tons). Overall, Indonesia imported 262,900 tons of plastic waste in 2024, valued at around 105 million USD, marking a 4% increase from 252,300 tons in 2023.
Most of these imports were used as raw materials for the recycling industry, especially for producing new plastics at a lower cost. However, environmental concerns are significant: without strict management, imported waste can pollute ecosystems and exacerbate domestic waste crises.
Regional Context: Southeast Asia’s Struggle with Waste
Indonesia is not alone in facing the challenge of imported waste. Other Southeast Asian countries, such as Malaysia and the Philippines, have also experienced a surge in foreign plastic shipments in recent years.
Frustrated by the environmental and health impacts, both nations have returned containers of improperly labeled or hazardous waste to their countries of origin, a phenomenon often referred to as the “waste wars.”
This regional tension highlights a broader problem: Southeast Asia has become a hotspot for exporting countries seeking to offload waste, but local environmental and governance systems are not always prepared to handle the influx safely.
Policy Coordination and Challenges
Indonesia’s ban involves multiple ministries: the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK), the Ministry of Industry, and the Ministry of Trade. While the policy is comprehensive on paper, enforcement remains a challenge.
Previously, announcements or regulations solely issued by KLHK proved insufficient to fully curb imports, as loopholes and lack of inter-agency coordination allowed certain shipments to continue. By involving three ministries, the government aims to create a more robust system, ensuring that imported waste no longer enters the country illegally or without oversight.
Implications for the Future
Stopping plastic waste imports marks an important step for Indonesia’s environmental policy. It signals the country’s commitment to tackling pollution, protecting ecosystems, and prioritizing sustainable industrial practices.
At the same time, it offers an example for other countries in the region facing similar pressures from global waste flows.
For industries relying on imported recycled plastics, this change will require adjustments. Companies may need to source raw materials locally, invest in sustainable alternatives, or innovate in recycling technologies. These shifts could, in the long run, foster a more circular economy within Indonesia and reduce dependency on foreign waste.
Lessons for Southeast Asia
Indonesia’s experience underscores the need for regional cooperation on waste management. The “waste wars” in Malaysia and the Philippines show that unilateral actions often lead to diplomatic friction and shipment rejections.
By coordinating policies, sharing best practices, and investing in local recycling infrastructure, Southeast Asian nations can collectively address the environmental challenges posed by imported waste while reducing health and ecological risks.
Indonesia’s 2025 ban is not only about halting plastic waste imports, it’s about asserting environmental sovereignty, protecting local communities, and setting an example for sustainable development in Southeast Asia.
The move also emphasizes that addressing waste management requires a combination of strong regulations, inter-ministerial coordination, and public awareness, as well as engagement with international partners to reduce the global flow of plastic waste at its source.
