Bambang Setiaji, Senior Expert Policy Analyst at the Center for Health Policy Efforts, BKPK, Ministry of Health, Republic of Indonesia
In the past decade, global attention has focused on microplastics as a new threat to human health and the environment. Microplastics are very small plastic particles, less than 5 mm in size, that originate from the degradation of consumer plastics and synthetic materials. International research explains that human exposure to microplastics occurs through three main routes: ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact (Nawab, 2024). This phenomenon is no longer just a concern for coastal environmental pollution but has shifted to become a public health issue (public health issue).
The current microplastic problem has raised public concern and requires a collaborative, cross-sectoral response, as the risk of exposure increases with the volume of plastic consumption by the public and the low control of pollution sources in the environment.
In Indonesia, this issue is particularly urgent due to the vast volume of national plastic waste, the persistent high consumption of single-use plastics, and suboptimal solid and liquid waste management systems. These conditions make microplastics a real health risk, particularly in coastal areas, large cities, drinking water sources, and the marine food chain.
Why Are Microplastics a Public Health Threat?
Global scientific research shows that microplastics have been found in human blood, placenta, lungs, and other body tissues (Pelch, 2023). These findings provide evidence that microplastic exposure can reach previously unsuspected depths in biological systems.
Medically, Osman et al. (2023) reported that exposure to microplastics can cause oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, metabolic disorders, and cellular dysfunction. They also confirmed that microplastic particles can disrupt the immune system, alter gut microbiota, and increase the risk of chronic disease (Lee et al., 2023). In other words, the effects can be molecular, cellular, tissue, and even systemic. This threat is unseen and protect, invisible, but accumulates over time.
The Situation in Indonesia: The Burden of Exposure is Becoming More Real
National studies show an increasing trend in food and environmental exposure. Communities in coastal areas, dense urban areas, and industrial areas are at higher risk of exposure through water, air, and food.
In a study in Indonesia, Sawalman & Zamani (2021) stated that microplastics have been found in shellfish consumed by the public, with the potential for long-term exposure. ECOTON (2024) reported that Indonesia faces a serious microplastic threat and requires national control standards. A study by Diponegoro University (2022) confirmed that sediments and marine biota in Indonesian waters show alarming concentrations of microplastics.
Sources of microplastic exposure in Indonesia include the textile industry, domestic wastewater, urban river water, vehicle air pollution, single-use plastics, and single-use drinking water bottles. Therefore, the urgency of controlling microplastics in Indonesia is both a public health and environmental issue.
Microplastic Exposure Pathways in Everyday Life
Nawab (2024) explains that humans are exposed to microplastics through consuming food and water, entering the lungs through the air, and sticking to the skin from certain consumer products.
Ingestion pathway: through contaminated vegetables, bottled drinking water, seafood, table salt, and fruits exposed to wastewater. Inhalation pathway: from house dust, vehicle tire friction, synthetic textile fibers, and urban air pollution. Dermal pathway: through primary microplastics from cosmetics, scrubs, or toothpaste (Prata et al., 2021).
Health Impacts of Microplastics
Scientifically, microplastics show risks to: a) The digestive system, a) Disrupts microbiota, triggers inflammation (Li et al., 2023), b) Respiratory system, enters the alveoli, triggers fibrosis and lung cancer (Osman et al., 2023), c) Immune system, reduces adaptive immune response (Lee et al., 2023), d) Reproductive system, decreases sperm quality, endometrial inflammation (Hoang et al., 2025), e) Fetal development, found in the placenta (Pelch, 2023)
Control Approach
Controlling microplastic exposure requires public education, strengthened policies and regulations, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and improved environmental quality. Evidence-based national policies are needed to implement microplastic control efforts as part of environmental health.
Policy Recommendations Needed by Indonesia
The policy recommendations needed include: 1) Preparation of National Microplastic Quality Standards, including standards for drinking water, river water, ambient air, and seafood; 2) Integration of Microplastics in the Health System, through RPJMN indicators, Ministry of Health's Strategic Plan, and environmental laboratory standards; 3) National Microplastic Exposure Surveillance covering the environment, food, and the human body (biomonitoring); 4) National Waste System Reform, including: microplastic filtration in city wastewater treatment plants, circular economy-based waste management, and restrictions on single-use plastics; 5) National Public Education, focusing messages on health risks, exposure reduction methods, and behavioral change; 6) Research Partnerships between the Health Development Policy Agency (BKPK), academics, environmental laboratories, and local governments.
Strategic Role
Institutional roles are needed to strengthen policies, advocacy, and research on microplastics for public protection. Therefore, the Health Development Policy Agency (BKPK) is strategically positioned to formulate policies, develop technical guidelines, engage in cross-ministerial advocacy, provide public education, coordinate national research, and promote standardization.
Conclusion
- Microplastics have become a public health threat in Indonesia. Scientific evidence shows the potential for significant biological impacts, ranging from inflammation to systemic disorders. Solutions to address microplastics cannot be delayed. Controlling microplastic exposure must be implemented from households to national policy.
