Government urged to implement sweetened beverage tax to reduce waste

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Forum Warga Kota (Fakta) Indonesia has urged the government to implement a tax on packaged sweetened beverages (MBDK) to control consumption and reduce waste, given that Jakarta’s daily waste could reach 520 tonnes. Fakta Indonesia’s deputy chair, Azas Tigor Nainggolan, stated on Friday that data from the National Waste Management Information System (SIPSN) 2026 shows Jakarta generates 8,672 tonnes of waste daily, with plastic waste accounting for 20% or 1,734 tonnes. Packaging from MBDK is estimated to make up 15-30% of plastic waste, or 260-520 tonnes. ‘This means Jakarta alone discards 260-520 tonnes of MBDK packaging daily. Imagine the environmental burden the Earth must bear for centuries,’ he said. He added that high consumption of MBDK also triggers non-communicable diseases. Excessive intake leads to diabetes, obesity, and kidney failure, while also damaging the environment. In addition to health issues, MBDK contributes to packaging waste. However, the MBDK industry has not yet been held fully accountable for its packaging waste. However, Azhar added that Article 29 of Law No. 1/2023 on the Criminal Code states ‘any person whose negligence causes another’s death may face up to five years in prison or a fine of Rp500 million. Allowing MBDK waste that harms health and the environment could fall under this category.’ ‘We urge the government to enforce the law against the MBDK industry to make it accountable for managing its packaging waste in line with the Waste Management Law,’ said Azas, who is also a lawyer.