JakartaPost-May 24
Indonesia’s delegation looks set to curb ambitions at an upcoming global forum on plastic pollution amid concern that some of the plans could harm local industries. Ahead of the second session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-2) on plastic pollution to be held in Paris from May 29 to June 2, countries vary in their response to plastic waste. The United States, Saudi Arabia and other major plastic producers prefer national strategies, Reuters reported last week, while the so-called High Ambition Coalition consisting of Norway, Rwanda, New Zealand and the European Union is calling for global targets to reduce the production of raw material for plastic-based products and eliminate fossil fuel subsidies. That proposal has raised concern from the Industry Ministry, local manufacturers and energy analysts, who say it would hamper Indonesia’s plastic industry that is already contending with a flood of imported products. The government still supports efforts to protect the environment, according to Ignatius, chemical, pharmaceutical and textile industries acting director general at the ministry, who stressed however the need to continue that effort while allowing for further growth of the industry. He pointed as an example to plastic raw material developed in biorefineries in South Korea as a way to reduce carbon emissions. “We hope to create a balance between economic, environmental and social aspects [in the forum],” stated Ignatius. Read more at:
