Bring Your Own Bag, Jakarta Officially Frowns Upon Plastic Bags

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Jakarta’s plastic bag ban went into effect on July 1 in an effort to curb the capital city's plastic waste problem.

The ban is in force in all of Jakarta's shopping centers including supermarkets and the public markets.

Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan reminds residents to bring their own eco-friendly bags when shopping.

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“The Jakarta Provincial Administration has forbidden single-use plastic bags in supermarkets, public markets, and shopping centers,” said Head of Jakarta’s Environmental Agency Andono Warih in a written statement.

Jakarta’s plastic bag ban is regulated under Governor Regulation Number 142 Year 2019 on Mandatory Use of Eco-Friendly Shopping Bags at Shopping Centers, Supermarkets, and Public Markets.

Vendors who implement the plastic bag ban will be offered incentives while those who disregard it will be sanctioned.

The sanctions range from written notice, violation fee, or penalty payment.

Watchful eyes

The Jakarta Provincial Administration is keeping a close eye on the enforcement of its plastic bag ban including in traditional markets such as the city’s Pasar Jaya (Great Market).