Indonesia, along with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), has launched a campaign to remove plastic wastes in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Thursday.
"By the end of 2025, we will reduce 70 percent of the plastic wastes. Indonesia has launched a national action plan for tackling marine plastic wastes," Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Binsar Panjaitan stated in a press release received by ANTARA here, Thursday.
The national action plan contains concrete strategies and measures to handle plastic wastes on land, in coastal areas, and in the sea.
"The government will provide funding of up to US$1 billion per year to implement the strategy," he noted.
According to Panjaitan, the financial support will significantly contribute to implementing the national program to make Indonesia free of wastes.
He said that marine plastic wastes pose a threat to the existence of fish, mammals, sea birds, and coral reefs in the world.
"Those negatively affected by the wastes are the locals, as tourists will not visit places that are full of plastic wastes," he remarked.
Panjaitan pointed out that Indonesia has been successful in its campaign against fish poachers and armed pirates. The government is now ready to face the challenge of tackling marine plastic debris.
"We are more than ready to play an active role in handling marine plastic wastes and be at the forefront of the UN global campaign for cleaning the seas," he emphasized.
The launch event was attended by Minister of Environment and Forestry Siti Nurbaya and UNEP Director Erik Solheim.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2017
