An Environmental Study on the Paid Plastic Bag Use Policy in the city of Semarang

¹ Master Program of Environmental Studies, School of Postgraduate Studies Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
² Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
³ Public Administration Department, Faculty of Social and Political Science, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: Muhammad.muslihun@gmail.com

Abstract

Indonesia is the second largest contributor of plastic waste in the ocean. The initiative of the central government through KLHK in reducing the generation of plastic waste is to launch a paid plastic bag policy. This policy is regulated by a circular issued by KLHK to local governments and business actors. The purpose of this study is to analyse the implementation of policies, analyse consumer behaviour and analyse the supporting and inhibiting factors in the paid plastic bag policy which is applied in the city of Semarang. The approach used in this study is a qualitative approach. Data collection uses primary and secondary data. The results showed that the paid plastic bag policy had the support of the local government, businesses and consumers. Various efforts have been made as a form of support to reduce waste generation in accordance with the objectives of this policy. Although consumers know and support this policy, it does not change consumer behaviour much. They still use plastic bags from retail when they finish shopping. Consumers have no objections to paying IDR 200. This policy does not bring many significant changes in consumer behaviour in using new plastic bags, despite the tendency of consumers to know the impact of plastic bag waste if it is not managed properly. Consumers still seem indifferent in considering plastic bag waste as an urgent waste priority. So that this policy is still less effective in changing consumer behaviour.