Enviro News Asia, Jakarta – Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq has announced plans to take legal action against producers known for contributing to waste pollution. This legal measure is based on Law No. 18 of 2008 on Waste Management.
Minister Hanif issued this serious warning while inspecting the plastic waste recovery process at a facility managed by the environmental organization Sungai Watch in Sukawati, Gianyar, Bali. “We will sue. We already have the data on which companies are responsible,” said Minister Hanif Faisol in a press release received on Thursday (27/3/2025).
The legal action, Hanif explained, will be based on the polluter pays principle, which holds that those responsible for pollution or environmental damage must bear the costs of the impacts they create.
Recently, Sungai Watch released its Brand Audit Report 2024, identifying the top 10 producers contributing the most plastic waste in Indonesia’s waters. The findings were based on an analysis of 623,021 pieces of waste collected from rivers, beaches, and landfill sites across Bali and Banyuwangi. The results were alarming, as a multinational bottled water producer ranked at the top, contributing 36,826 waste items.
Hanif emphasized that producers are responsible for ensuring their product packaging is easily managed or recyclable. This is in line with the Waste Management Law, which explicitly states that producers must take responsibility for the waste generated from their packaging.
Furthermore, Minister Hanif explained that the Ministry of Environment will follow up on data from environmental NGOs by issuing compulsory compensation orders to the responsible producers. This step is backed by Law No. 32 of 2009 on Environmental Protection and Management. In addition to compensation claims, an environmental recovery scheme is also being considered. However, if these measures prove ineffective, the Ministry will not hesitate to file a lawsuit in court, with potential criminal sanctions.
“In previous court cases, we have never lost,” Minister Hanif asserted confidently.
