The growing problem of marine waste — particularly plastic pollution — has drawn increasing global concern due to its severe impact on marine ecosystems, food security, and human health. 

To address this environmental problem, The Habibie Center (THC), in collaboration with Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council (OAC), launched the “Indonesia Marine Debris Management Cooperation Project” in a ceremony held on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.

The project follows the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed in Taipei, Taiwan, on September 15, 2025, and focuses on two main initiatives: hosting an International Workshop on Marine Debris Management on November 6, 2025, and conducting joint research on technological innovation for marine waste management across the Indo-Pacific region.

Ilham Akbar Habibie, Chairman of THC’s Board of Trustees, said the collaboration aims to strengthen international networks in tackling marine waste while raising public awareness.

“This year, we have two main activities. First, an international workshop involving various stakeholders from Indonesia, Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines to share best practices in marine debris management. Second, joint international research on technology and innovation to address marine waste,” Ilham said on Wednesday.

He added that the research findings will be published through ASEAN Briefs, THC’s public research platform, to ensure wider access for policymakers and the public across the region.

Representing OAC Taiwan, Lee Shan Ying highlighted the importance of cross-border partnerships in safeguarding the ocean as a shared global resource.

“As a maritime society, Taiwan recognizes the importance of resource integration and collaboration among stakeholders. The ocean knows no borders, so our responsibility to protect it must not be limited by geography,” Lee said.

Muhammad Reza Cordova, a researcher at Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), presented findings showing that marine waste originating from Indonesia can travel vast distances, even reaching the Indian Ocean and the African continent.

According to Reza, around 10–20 percent of Indonesia’s plastic waste can cross the Indian Ocean and reach South Africa in less than a year. A 2024 BRIN study found that two units of the 11 drifters attached with debris released from the Cisadane River − the main river that flows through two Indonesia’s provinces of Banten and West Java − were detected near Madagascar waters within just six months

“This phenomenon underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder solution − from upstream to downstream − in managing marine waste,” Reza said. “Marine debris, especially plastic, not only destroys ecosystems and endangers marine life but also threatens food security and human health. Microplastics are now found in nearly every part of the environment − from shallow seas to the Mariana Trench, and even inside fish,” he added.