How important risk analysis of plastic pollution in coastal area? Case study in Masohi, Central Maluku

¹ Coastal and Watershed Research Group, Faculty of Geography, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Bulaksumur, Indonesia
² Department of Oceanography, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Indonesia
³ Department of Sociology, Faculty of Teacher and Training Education, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: mutaqin@ugm.ac.id

Abstract

Human pressure on the coastal and aquatic surrounding ecosystem in Indonesia, through plastic waste, is increasing, considering that 60 % of the approximately 250 million people live in the coastal areas. Plastic waste originating from human activities has become a massive problem in almost all the small island and coastal regions, especially in the eastern part of Indonesia. This condition is caused by poor waste management and a lack of public awareness in disposing of waste in its place, including in an area known as its marine biodiversities and marine tourism spots like Masohi in Central Maluku. Also, the composition of waste is dominated by plastic waste that cannot be decomposed in a short period, continue circulated on the ocean currents, and will be deposited in coastal areas. Furthermore, some plastic waste will break down into micro-plastics that pollute not only the environment but also marine biota, which are often consumed by humans. This situation profoundly affects the sustainability and function of aquaecosystem services in coastal areas. Therefore, a comprehensive policy and regulation, and interdisciplinary study for analysing vulnerable coastal ecosystem, and mitigating the potential risk of plastic pollution in Masohi, Central Maluku are essential to be conducted.