Plastic pollution is one of the most critical environmental challenges of our time. Conventional plastics, particularly those made from PET (polyethylenterephthalate), can take hundreds of years to disintegrate, causing immense harm to our ecosystems.

This urgent problem has spurred the development of a promising alternative: bioplastics.

Unlike conventional plastics made from petroleum, bioplastics are produced from renewable, organic materials. This article explores the potential of bioplastics in Indonesia, the expert opinions shaping the industry, and the regulatory hurdles that must be overcome.

What Are Bioplastics?

Bioplastics are a category of plastics derived from renewable biomass sources. This stands in sharp contrast to traditional plastics, which are made from finite petroleum reserves.

Common sources for bioplastic production include:

• Starch from plants like cassava, corn, and sugar beets.

• Polymers from microorganisms.

• Natural materials from seaweed, such as alginate and carrageenan.

A key advantage of many bioplastics is their ability to decompose. Under specific conditions, some bioplastics can break down in as little as eight to twelve weeks, returning to the earth instead of polluting it for centuries.

Expert Insights: Indonesia’s Bioplastic Potential

Indonesia, with its vast agricultural and marine resources, is uniquely positioned to become a leader in bioplastic production. However, experts emphasize that a clear strategy is essential.

According to Dr. Agus Haryono, Deputy for Engineering Sciences at the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), it’s important to distinguish between “bioplastic” (from renewable materials) and “biodegradable plastic” (which can be from renewable or non-renewable sources).

Dr. Haryono states that while Indonesia has great potential for both, the country is in strong need of a national standard for biodegradable plastics to guide development and ensure environmental safety.

Market Realities & Regulatory Challenges

Despite its promise, the bioplastic market is still in its nascent stages.

Dr. Asmuwahyu Saptorahardjo, Technical Advisor of PT. Intera Lestari Polymer and producer of the bioplastic Enviplast, noted that as of 2019, bioplastics still accounted for less than 1% of the total plastic packaging market in the EU.

The Food vs. Material Debate

A significant global debate surrounds the use of food-associated raw materials (like corn and cassava) for bioplastics.

Dr. Saptorahardjo acknowledges this is an “emotional debate,” even though data from the i Nova Institute and the European Bioplastics Association indicates that bioplastic production does not genuinely compete with food production. To mitigate these concerns, many producers are now focusing on using agro-industrial waste as a primary raw material.

A Call for a Science-Based National Policy

For the industry to grow, a clear and supportive regulatory framework is crucial. Ir. Adhi Lukman, Chairman of the Indonesian Food and Beverage Entrepreneurs Association (GAPMMI), outlined several key positions on the future of plastic regulation in Indonesia:

• Shared Responsibility: Waste management should be an ESR (Extended Stakeholder Responsibility), involving all parties, not just an EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) placed solely on producers.

• Review Existing Regulations: GAPMMI calls for a review of regulations like KLHKP.75/2019, which limit or ban certain single-use plastics. Ir. Adhi Lukman notes that the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that plastic is still necessary for mitigation and that no absolute solution to replace it exists yet.

• Focus on Local Solutions: Policy must support “local solutions” and go beyond the standard 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle). It must also accommodate routes for “Residue and Return to earth,” as much plastic waste remains unmanaged.

• Science-First Approach: The feasibility of bioplastics requires further study. Crucially, the government must base its “Indonesia National Policy of Plastic” on legitimate science and scientific evidence.

Seaweed: A Promising Bioplastic Frontier

One of Indonesia’s most promising, non-food raw materials comes from the sea.

Prof. Dr. Hari Eko Irianto, a Permanent Professor at Sahid University Jakarta and Acting Head of the Center for Research on Product Processing and Biotechnology for Marine and Fisheries (BBRP2BKP), strongly emphasizes the potential of seaweed.

He explains that raw materials from seaweed—such as jell, carrageenan, and alginate—are excellent for developing bioplastics and even edible films. Extensive research has already been conducted on seaweed-based bioplastics, highlighting their wide potential for use.

The Future of Packaging

The ultimate goal is to create bio-based molecular chains that can match the properties of petroleum-based plastics, reducing or even replacing our dependence on fossil fuels.

The journey from conventional plastic to sustainable bioplastics is complex. It requires scientific innovation to develop new materials, as well as intelligent, science-based policies to manage the transition.

With its rich natural resources and a growing body of expert research, Indonesia is well-positioned to lead this green transition. The next step is to unite industry, science, and government to build a clear and effective national strategy.