System-wide assessment of plastic pollution in Indonesia: External stakeholder mapping

Recent global initiatives, such as the Global Plastics Treaty, underscore the urgency for a systems-based approach to address the risks associated with plastic pollution. However, the implementation of such initiatives has often faltered due to a lack of clarity surrounding what constitutes a truly systemic approach. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of external stakeholders within the plastics value chain in Banyuwangi, Indonesia, introducing a novel method to map and categorise these stakeholders by organisation type, activities, and interest. The analysis, which is a key component of the Complex Value Optimization for Resource Recovery (CVORR) framework, reveals a complex system of 111 external stakeholders consolidated into 11 groups that are engaged across various operational stages and spatial levels. By integrating stakeholder theory and analytical tools such as the Mendelow matrix, our study uncovered underlying power dynamics and significant lock-ins that arise where the emphasis on downstream waste management overshadows preventive upstream measures. The findings highlight the importance of fostering communication and collaboration among stakeholders and creating partnerships within and across stakeholder groups to drive systemic change. Engaging effectively throughout the plastics value chain can pave the way for tailored solutions to local challenges, thereby enhancing sustainability and facilitating alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals. Ultimately, this study advocates for coordinated efforts, ensuring that policy interventions and local actions support a comprehensive, circular approach to effective plastics management.