Plastic pollution is a critical threat to marine ecosystems, particularly in Indonesia, which generates around 7 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with only 39% collected. Without intervention, ocean plastic leakage could rise by 30% by 2025 and double by 2040, leading to severe consequences.The Indonesian government aims to reduce marine plastic debris by 70% by 2025 and establish a circular economy for plastics by 2040, coordinated through national coordination team for marine debris management ( TKN-PSL). However, challenges such as rising single-use plastic production and poor waste management hinder progress.The Plastics in Indonesian Societies (PISCES) partnership was formed to address these issues, bringing together experts to develop a comprehensive research program. Funded by UK Research and Innovation, the PISCES Research Programme (2021-2024) employs a systems approach to understand plastic waste management failures. The findings, structured in six interconnected work packages, aim to empower policymakers with evidence-based strategies to combat plastic pollution and support sustainable development goals (SDGs) 3, 4, 11, 12, and 14. Authored by Scientists from The PISCES Partnership.
Funded by UK Research and Innovation, Global Challenges Research Fund. Acknowledgements: With thanks to our expert Advisory Board for their insights, contributions and support.