Tackling Marine Pollution in Indonesia A Crucial Step Toward Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water)

At the moment, marine pollution is one of Indonesia's biggest environmental problems, endangering human health, biodiversity, and marine ecosystems. The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Life Below Water of the United Nations, which seeks to protect and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development, is closely related to this problem. Using data from current research and publications, this article examines the causes, effects, and initiatives taken to reduce marine pollution in Indonesia

With more than 17,000 islands, Indonesia is an archipelagic country that is especially susceptible to marine pollution. Agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and plastic waste are the main causes of marine pollution. With an estimated 3.22 million metric tons of improperly handled plastic garbage produced yearly, Indonesia is the second-largest contributor to marine plastic pollution worldwide, according to Jambeck et al. (2015). The main cause of this contamination is insufficient waste management systems, which allow a large amount of plastic garbage to wind up in rivers and eventually the ocean.

Nutrient contamination from fertilizer and pesticide runoff into water bodies is one way that agricultural operations contribute to marine pollution. Because of the eutrophication brought on by this discharge, the water becomes less oxygenated, endangering marine life. Water quality and marine life are impacted by industrial discharges of chemicals and heavy metals, which worsen marine pollution (Cordova et al., 2018).

The effects of marine pollution in Indonesia are many and diverse. Fish populations, coral reefs, and other marine species are all harmed by marine pollution. Coral reefs are especially susceptible to plastic pollution, which can harm them physically and spread illness. Coral reefs are essential to marine ecosystems and local economies through tourism and fishing (Lamb et al., 2018).

Marine contamination also poses a risk to human health. When bigger plastic garbage breaks down, tiny plastic particles called microplastics can enter the food chain through fish and other shellfish that people eat. Certain microplastics may include hazardous substances, which might be harmful to one's health (Rochman et al., 2015). Furthermore, local populations who depend on fishing for a living may experience economic difficulties as a result of contaminated waterways.

Indonesia has launched a number of steps to fight marine pollution since it recognizes how serious the problem is. The National Action Plan on Marine Debris was introduced by the Indonesian government in 2017 with the goal of reducing plastic waste by 70% by 2025. This strategy calls for actions including enhancing the infrastructure for waste management, supporting recycling, and pushing for a decrease in single-use plastics (Ministry of Environment and Forestry, 2017).

Additionally, Indonesia has taken a leading role in global initiatives to mitigate marine pollution. The nation takes part in the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP), an initiative that attempts to turn political promises to cut down on plastic waste into practical measures. In order to combat transboundary maritime pollution, cooperation with neighboring nations via regional frameworks like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is also essential (ASEAN Secretariat, 2019).

In order to combat marine pollution, local communities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are essential. Public awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, beach clean-ups, and other initiatives like these assist in involving the public and promoting an environmental stewardship culture. To lessen plastic waste and its effects, creative alternatives are also being investigated, such as the usage of bioplastics and the creation of waste-to-energy technology (Ghozali et al., 2020).

In conclusion, an important obstacle Indonesia has in achieving SDG 14: Life Below Water is marine pollution. Agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and plastic trash interact in a complicated way that calls for coordinated and comprehensive approaches. Even while national regulations, international alliances, and community initiatives have made great strides toward mitigating marine pollution, ongoing dedication and creative solutions are still necessary for effective results. Resolving this issue is essential for Indonesia's coastal populations' sustainable growth and well-being in addition to marine ecosystems and biodiversity.