15.4.2 Policy On Plastic Waste Reduction
UNS Policy on Reducing Plastic Waste on Campus
Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) demonstrates its strong commitment to environmental sustainability, particularly in reducing plastic waste, through the issuance of Rector’s Instruction No. 28 of 2023 concerning the Program for Reducing Paper and Plastic Usage. This policy directs all members of the university community—leaders, lecturers, administrative staff, and students—to actively reduce the use of single-use plastic in all campus activities.
The instruction has been implemented through practical measures, such as minimizing plastic consumption in learning, administrative, and research activities; encouraging the reuse of materials; and promoting digital technology as an alternative to plastic-based or paper-based media. The expected outcomes include a significant reduction in plastic waste generation on campus, the cultivation of an environmentally friendly culture, and increased awareness among the academic community about sustainable lifestyles.
Beyond the campus, UNS students also participate in driving change within their surrounding communities. Through various student-led initiatives, they promote plastic waste reduction around Surakarta by organizing educational campaigns, waste collection activities, and supporting local ecobrick programs. These initiatives show that the university’s plastic reduction policy is not merely a formal document but a living practice realized through student and community collaboration.
Looking ahead, UNS plans to expand this policy by strengthening the green campus ecosystem, fostering collaboration with external partners for plastic waste management programs, and advancing research focused on eco-friendly alternatives. These efforts reaffirm UNS’s role in supporting the achievement of SDG 15: Life on Land and in advancing the transition toward a plastic-free campus.
SDG 15 Indicator
Supporting Land Ecosystems Through Education
Supporting Land Ecosystems Through Action
Land Sensitive Waste Disposal
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Policy |
Link |
Summary |
Relevant Article |
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Law No. 32 of 2009 on Environmental Protection and Management (UUPPLH) |
https://peraturan.bpk.go.id/details/38771/uu-no-32-tahun-2009 |
Reinforces the principles of sustainable development by requiring every individual and institution to preserve environmental functions, prevent pollution and damage, and ensure the right to a healthy and sustainable environment. The law prohibits improper waste disposal and provides a legal basis for the government to control waste—including single-use plastic waste—through monitoring instruments, administrative measures, and legal sanctions. |
Article 67 (Law No. 32/2009): Every person is obliged to maintain the sustainability of environmental functions and control environmental pollution and/or damage. |
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Law No. 18 of 2008 on Waste Management |
https://peraturan.bpk.go.id/Details/39067/uu-no-18-tahun-2008 |
Regulates the principles, responsibilities, and management system of waste in Indonesia to protect both the environment and public health. It emphasizes the importance of waste reduction at the source, reuse, recycling, and environmentally sound final processing. |
Article 20 (1) (Law No. 18/2008): Waste reduction includes activities such as waste limitation, waste recycling, and waste reuse. |
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Rector’s Instruction No. 28 of 2023 on the Program for Reducing Paper and Plastic Usage at Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) |
Serves as an official guideline for the entire UNS academic community to reduce the consumption of single-use items on campus. The policy encourages practices such as using double-sided paper, reusing blank paper, and adopting digital-based administrative systems to minimize plastic and paper waste. |
Third Dictum and Third Dictum |