East Java Teen Faces Hidden Dangers of Plastic Pollution
Nineteen-year-old Imam walks along the beach near his village in East Java, Indonesia. What was once a haven of golden sands and clear waters is now littered with plastic bottles, bags, and debris. The sight is disheartening, but the real danger lies beneath the surface.
“Sometimes our goats and cows eat the plastic that washes up,” Imam explains, pointing to a discarded plastic bag tangled in the grass. “They get sick, and some have even died.”
The plastic pollution isn’t just harming livestock. To manage the overwhelming waste, some villagers resort to burning it, releasing toxic fumes into the air. For Imam, who suffers from asthma, the smoke is particularly harmful.
“I struggle to breathe when they burn the plastic,” he says. “It’s not just me. Many people in the village cough and have trouble with their lungs.”
At the local clinic, Doctor Ferdaus has seen a spike in patients. “We’re noticing more cases of respiratory issues, diarrhea, and stomach problems,” he notes. “These are linked to the pollution and the ways people are handling the waste.”
Understanding the gravity of the situation, Imam and other young people in the community are beginning to take action. They’ve started beach clean-ups and are trying to educate others about proper waste disposal.
“We’re teaching the younger kids not to throw trash on the ground or in the water,” Imam shares. “We tell them to reuse things or find ways to recycle.”
Doctor Ferdaus supports these initiatives and is working with local leaders to find sustainable solutions. “Education is key,” he says. “We need to inform everyone about the dangers and explore better waste management systems.”
Plastic pollution is a global issue, but for communities like Imam’s, the effects are immediate and personal. Despite the challenges, the determination of these young individuals offers a glimmer of hope.
“I believe we can make a difference,” Imam says with a hopeful smile. “If we all work together, we can clean up our home and protect our health.”
