Not Our Trash: Indonesia's Struggle with the World's Plastic Waste

• Prize
  Bronze in Press/Nature/Environmental
• Photographer
  Garry Lotulung, Indonesia
• Date of Photograph
  5/7/2025
• Studio
  Freelance Photojournalist
• Website
  https://garrylotulung.com/
• Instagram
  https://www.instagram.com/garrylotulung

The strong claims of effective waste management by Western & some developed countries came into question after Indonesia experienced an influx of foreign waste coinciding with China’s decision to close its doors. The waste imported through paper factory operating in several areas including East Java, ultimately affects the lives of residents & their environment. Since then, they have also been dealing with some health issues. According to UN Comtrade, Indonesia imported 2,900 tons of plastic waste in 2000, rising to over 194,000 tons in 2022, becoming the third-largest plastic waste importer.