Marine Pollution in Indonesia Spreads to Remote Coasts, Expert Warns of Microplastic Dangers

An expert has warned that the condition of marine pollution in Indonesia is increasingly alarming, having spread beyond urban centres to coastal areas far from human activity. Professor Etty Riani, a fisheries and marine science expert from IPB University, stated that the majority of pollutants contaminating the sea originate from land, including domestic waste, industrial activities, and agricultural runoff.

Professor Riani highlighted that plastic waste is the largest contributor to this pollution. Over time, plastic debris fragments into microplastics and nanoplastics, which have now been detected in marine sediments and in biota consumed by humans. She cautioned that if this issue is not addressed seriously within the next 10 to 20 years, the resulting damage to habitats will lead to a decline in fisheries productivity, threatening national food security.

From an economic perspective, fishermen will be the most affected group due to reduced catch quantity and quality. The marine tourism sector is also predicted to suffer as the aesthetic and environmental quality of coastal areas deteriorates. Professor Riani stressed the need for integrated cross-sector collaboration, including strengthened law enforcement, the implementation of a circular economy, and synergy between government, academia, businesses, and the wider community, to ensure a healthy and sustainable marine ecosystem for future generations.