Netherlands, Largest Exporter of Plastic Waste to Indonesia in 2023

Statista data shows that 252,000 tons of plastic waste were exported to Indonesia in 2023 from several countries.

The Netherlands was the largest exporter, sending 119,560 metric tons last year.

Germany followed in second place with a significantly lower volume of 38,800 metric tons.

Belgium was third, exporting 23,920 metric tons of plastic waste.

The United States was fourth with 19,830 metric tons, followed by Slovenia with 9,830 metric tons.

Australia, Singapore, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Japan round out the top ten. The majority of plastic waste shipments originate from European countries.

(Read also: Indonesia Tampung Sampah Plastik dari Australia, Berapa Nilainya?)

Import of plastic waste banned starting 2025

According to Katadata, the Minister of Environment and Forestry, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, stated that Indonesia will no longer accept imports of plastic waste starting in 2025. The government will not issue recommendations for the import of such waste.

"There will be no more imports of plastic waste. It's finished this year," said Hanif when met on the banks of the Cipinang River, Jakarta, Friday (1/11/2024).

Hanif explained that Indonesia does not need to accept imports of plastic waste because the amount available in landfills is abundant. This plastic waste can be sorted and recycled by the community and industry.

According to Hanif, this plan is one solution to address overflowing landfills in several regions. Indonesia was one of the largest importers of plastic waste in the world in 2022, with a capacity reaching 194,000 tons.

Here are the top 10 countries that sent the most plastic waste to Indonesia in 2023:

* Netherlands: 119,560 metric tons
* Germany: 38,800 metric tons
* Belgium: 23,920 metric tons
* United States: 19,830 metric tons
* Slovenia: 9,830 metric tons
* Australia: 8,430 metric tons
* Singapore: 6,360 metric tons
* New Zealand: 5,840 metric tons
* United Kingdom: 5,200 metric tons
* Japan: 4,860 metric tons.

(Read Katadata: 10 Negara Pengirim Sampah Plastik ke Indonesia, Bakal Dilarang Mulai 2025)