Plastic Prices Surge, Opportunity to Accelerate Zero Waste Programme
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, SEMARANG – The Head of the Industry and Trade Department (Disperindag) of Central Java Province, July Emmylia, admitted that she has not yet monitored the rise in plastic prices on the market due to the disruption of raw material imports caused by the conflict in the Middle East. Nevertheless, she believes this should be welcomed as it can suppress plastic waste production.
“Not yet, we haven’t gone there (to monitor the rise in plastic prices). But actually, this is a blessing in disguise because our direction is towards zero waste,” said July when interviewed at the Central Java DPRD Office on Monday (6/4/2026).
According to her, reducing plastic waste production needs to be encouraged. “Previously, there was zero plastic, but then it suddenly stopped. That’s what we really need to push,” said July.
She claimed that so far, the industrial and business world in Central Java has not experienced any import disruptions for raw materials. “Currently, there are none if it’s imports; it’s still safe. Because we don’t take much of that raw material from America,” she said.
Nevertheless, July acknowledged that Central Java’s export value has declined by 7.2 per cent due to the Middle East conflict. “For exports, the impact is only felt this month. When I was interviewed by friends the other day, I said it hasn’t (been affected yet). The impact is around 7.23 per cent,” she said.
She added that the percentage decline is a comparison with the previous month’s export value. “If in nominal terms, it’s around 300 million US dollars,” she said.
According to July, the sector most affected by the export decline is textiles. “Because our mainstay is still the textile sector,” she said.
July stated that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has hindered the distribution process of export products. “Then, demand from the American market and the Middle East market has also decreased,” she revealed.
She explained that currently, the Central Java Provincial Government is endeavouring to have sectors affected by the Middle East conflict redirect their exports or markets to Europe. However, July admitted that this is not straightforward.
“In Europe, there are many regulations. Especially, Europe is very focused on environmental issues,” said July.