in order to reduce the production of waste plastics, as well as 22 cities in Indonesia have simultaneously witnessed the implementation of a policy paid plastic bags, presented by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (KLHK), effective February 21. the ministry has established a Rp.200 standard price for each plastic bag, although some cities, including Jakarta, have set a higher price. The administration of Jakarta, for example, plans to impose a price Rp.5,000 for plastic bags through the malls and traditional markets. Meanwhile, Balikpapan plans to apply a rate of Rp.1,500, Tangerang pay Rp.500 and Makassar is to make buyers pay Rp.4,500 per bag.
But how can this policy discourse the problem of plastic waste in Indonesia, second plastic waste world producer after China? And what is the price to pay for a plastic bag?
To get answers to these questions, Kataanda.com online survey platform managed by Insight MARKPLUS, conducted a national survey. MARKPLUS Insight is the branch of market research MARKPLUS Inc., an integrated marketing and consulting company based in Jakarta.
The survey has witnessed the participation of 663 respondents, reducing the margin of error to less than 4 percent. 40 percent of respondents were from the Greater Jakarta, while respondents from other cities - because of their low percentage - are combined in Greater Jakarta non-participants. Gender-wise 49 percent are women and wise occupation, 51.1 percent are employees. Regarding age, 68 percent were 30 years old.
The survey shows that up to 89 percent of women and 76 percent of men surveyed are willing to carry their own bags from home when shopping.
When asked about the best design for the bags, both male and female respondents agreed that it should be practical and easily foldable. It should also be strong and lightweight, and easy to clean.
According Haryadi, chief of operations at MARKPLUS Insight, the survey results showed that people in the middle class and users are already aware of the harmful effects of plastic waste on environment, and agree with the implementation of paid plastic bags. But there is a greater need careful consideration in determining the price and design of plastic bags, so that all segments of society are willing to support the implementation of these policies and make them to reduce the use of plastic.
The results of the survey revealed that although still a little surprised by the implementation of this policy, 68.6 percent of the respondents agree with the paid plastic bag policy . Interestingly, 76 percent of women surveyed agreed with the policy, as shown in the table below.
The main reason for respondents who agree to the policy because it is useful in protecting the environment. Those who disagree, however, fear that politics may not be practical and add additional costs.
Asked about the relevance of the price per plastic bag, 57 percent of women surveyed chose Rp.500 or less, 20 percent chose to Rp.1,000, and 12 percent chose the the higher price Rp.2,000 and above, as shown in the table.
