A Comparative Study of Laws and Policies on Plastic Waste Management Between Indonesia and the Philippines

Abstract

This study presents a comparative analysis of plastic waste management laws, policies, and practices in Indonesia and the Philippines, two of Southeast Asia’s most plastic-intensive economies. Grounded in five central pillars—policy and regulation, community capacity and management, technological innovation, partnerships and collaboration, and behavioral and cultural transformation—the research examines both institutional frameworks and community-level interventions to evaluate the effectiveness and limitations of current approaches. Through thematic qualitative analysis, the study identifies recurring implementation gaps linked to enforcement challenges, infrastructure limitations, and inconsistent public participation, despite the presence of comprehensive legal instruments such as Indonesia’s National Plan of Action on Marine Debris and the Philippines’ Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.

The findings culminate in a 10-point strategic framework designed to guide local and national decision-makers toward scalable, inclusive, and systems-oriented solutions. Key themes include the rise of hybrid waste management models blending technology with grassroots engagement, the evolving role of informal sectors, and the critical need for cross-sector alignment in achieving circular economy goals. The study underscores the importance of maintaining momentum in regulatory development while strengthening mechanisms for community integration, inter-agency coordination, and private sector engagement.

Beyond the national lens, this research contributes to the broader ASEAN agenda on environmental cooperation by offering context-specific insights and replicable practices that can support regional harmonization of plastic waste strategies. Ultimately, it offers a timely reminder that meaningful progress in addressing plastic pollution requires not only policy commitment but sustained, multi-level alignment across institutional, societal, and market-driven actors.