Connecting the Dots: A Collaborative Ethnography of Plastic Leakages in Indonesia and the Philippines

Plastics are valued for their affordability, durability, and adaptability, making them widely used in industries like packaging, electronics, and healthcare. However, plastic waste has surged, prompting the United Nations to push for a legally binding global treaty to regulate plastics by 2024. Despite ongoing negotiations, no agreement has been reached, highlighting the complexities of global plastic governance. Beyond visible pollution, plastics degrade into micro and nano-particles, releasing thousands of chemicals, many of which are hazardous. This study, conducted in Indonesia and the Philippines—controversially cited as two of the largest contributors to ocean plastic pollution—applies Nading’s concept of “leakage”. It identifies epistemic, regulatory, structural, and social leakages that hinder effective plastic waste management and fail to protect vulnerable populations from potentially harmful exposures. The authors argue that plastic leakage occurs throughout the entire lifecycle of plastics—from production to disposal. These interconnected leakages challenge dominant representations of plastic waste as a linear problem with clear solutions such as recycling and landfilling. The article advocates for policies that address the systemic nature of plastic pollution, emphasizing the need for corporate transparency, regulatory enforcement, and inclusive waste management. It moreover calls for interdisciplinary approaches that incorporate local expertise, and long-term strategies to reduce plastic-related harms.