Bali implements ban on plastics, Jakarta mulls following suit

According to media sources, the Indonesian island of Bali has banned single-use plastics such as shopping bags, styrofoam, and straws in an effort to curb pollution.

The ban, which is mostly aimed at producers, distributors, and suppliers of single-use plastics, came with a six-month grace period starting from December 21.

The policy is expected to reduce Bali’s marine plastics pollution by 70% in within a year, the media reported.

Following Bali’s example, the administration of the country’s capital, Jakarta, has drafted a gubernatorial regulation to ban single-use plastic bags. The draft regulation stipulates a fine of up to IDR25 million ($1,726) for enterprises that provide single-use plastic bags.

The Indonesian government had previously announced a Marine Debris Action Plan, an ambitious commitment that aims to reduce the country’s ocean plastic levels by 70% by 2025.