Always on My Mind: Stakeholder Perspectives on (Micro)Plastic Pollution in Indonesia

Authors

  • Fiona Preston-Whyte Orcid
    GRID-Arendal, Arendal, Norway
  • Alfian Alfian
    Komunitas Teras, Kendari, Indonesia; BAPPEDA Kota Kendari, Kendari, Indonesia
  • Stephanie Lavelle
    GRID-Arendal, Arendal, Norway; National Oceanography Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
  • Ira Ryski Wahyuni
    Komunitas Teras, Kendari, Indonesia; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bandung, Indonesia
  • La Ode Muhammad Erif
    Komunitas Teras, Kendari, Indonesia; Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Science, Universitas Halu Oleo Kendari, Kendari, Indonesia
  • Nina Vaupotic
    Urban and Environmental Psychology Group, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Cognitive Science Hub, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
  • Thomas Maes
    GRID-Arendal, Arendal, Norway; SEAMOHT LTD, Lowestoft, United Kingdom

Abstract

Research into the consequences of, and behavioural adaptation to (micro)plastic pollution is increasing, yet comparatively little focuses on non-WEIRD countries, despite them being disproportionately affected. This study examines self-assessed pro-environmental and health-protective behaviour in Kendari City, Indonesia. It utilises a mixed methods approach of a quantitative online questionnaire (N = 585) with Multiple Regression Analysis (MRA) and qualitative in-person interviews (N = 72) while considering psychological variables (subjective knowledge, experience, concern and attitude) and behaviour for different stakeholder groups (combined, civil society, and involved groups). The MRA (p < .001) showed a significant positive link between subjective knowledge and pro-environmental behaviour among combined stakeholders, civil society, and involved groups. The qualitative questionnaire supported this finding for the reduction of waste production. Experience of plastic pollution in local neighbourhoods and the broader environment, as well as exposure to microplastics through consumption, were associated with pro-environmental behaviours when all stakeholder groups were analysed together. For civil society stakeholders specifically, experience of plastic pollution in the environment and exposure to microplastics through consumption were also linked to increased pro-environmental behaviour. In contrast, observing plastic pollution in their own neighbourhoods was significantly associated with lower levels of pro-environmental behaviour. Psychological links to health-protective behaviour were more nuanced. Overall, our study could not fully establish a link between health-protective behaviour (willingness to consume seafood and seafood consumption) and psychological variables. The qualitative questionnaire found that involved groups (94%), but not civil society (20%), are aware of policies addressing marine litter in Indonesia. The policies are deemed ineffective by 48% of involved groups and 80% of civil society. The pro-environmental results indicate an opportunity to leverage knowledge to extend pro-environmental behaviours to combat plastic pollution, especially if building on existing behaviours focused on reducing plastic waste production.