Leiden University Student Repository

Laarse, Maxime C. van der 2016

From End-of-Pipe Treatment to 3R: Sustainable Waste Management in Indonesia

Master thesis | Asian Studies (60 EC) (MA)

open access

Indonesia is named the second biggest contributor to plastic waste in the oceans and the third largest polluter in the world. Rapid industrialisation, urbanisation, population growth, economic...Show moreIndonesia is named the second biggest contributor to plastic waste in the oceans and the third largest polluter in the world. Rapid industrialisation, urbanisation, population growth, economic growth and a consumption boom resulted in an increase in waste. It is said that municipal solid waste increased with 162,5% in the last decade. In 2009, 81% of this waste was disposed of in open dumping landfills, which are often badly managed. Only 7% of it was recycled. Open dumping landfills is causing both health-and environment-related problems, and caused many deaths in 2005, marking the failure of traditional waste management. The necessity of proper waste management led to the implementation of the Solid Waste Management Act on May 8, 2008. The international and more sustainable concept of 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) began to be used, thus replacing the traditional End-of-Pipe treatment. In this sociological research, I hope to answer the question of what the significance is of 3R for waste management in Indonesia, with a main focus on policies, developments, and citizen involvement.Show less