Call for a Legally Binding Global Plastic Treaty to Reduce Plastic Production

OPEN LETTER

To: Dr. Hanif Faisol Nurofiq Minister of Environment of the Republic of Indonesia

Cc: Mr. Erik Teguh Primiantoro, Chair of the Indonesian Delegation of the Indonesian National Council for Plastics (DELRI) INC 5.2

August 5-14, 2025, more than 3,700 participants from 184 countries and 619 observer organizations attended the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2) at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. INC 5.2 established an agreement to end plastic pollution, which impacts the planet, the economy, and human health.

Plastic drives climate change and pollutes oceans, rivers, soil, and air, impacting humans and other living things. Plastic poisons our communities, homes, and bodies. Our latest research found that the blood, amniotic fluid, and urine of pregnant women in Gresik were contaminated with microplastics. The air in 20 major cities in Indonesia is contaminated with microplastics. Gen Z is a victim of today's plastic crisis. As young people, we call on the global community, Indonesian citizens, scientists, and business actors, especially the Indonesian delegation in INC 5.2, to call for ambitious and urgent action to address the threat of plastic pollution.

The solution already exists and is clear; there's no need to complicate it any further.

We must stop producing plastic in large quantities; now is the right time to end the impact of plastic on the environment and human health. Our time is limited; let's not waste it. If we truly want to live in a clean and healthy environment, we won't have time to block this agreement. Don't worry about losing profits. If you think about it, if we prioritize the planet and people, it will be very easy to make a profit.

I hope the Minister and the Head of the Indonesian Delegation at INC 5.2 will work to realize a strong and legally binding Global Plastics Agreement to create a future free from plastic pollution, a healthy and prosperous planet, for now and for future generations.

Yours faithfully

Aeshnina Azzahra Aqilani Captain River Warrior Indonesia