The Prospect of Implementing Circular Economy of Solid Waste in Small Islands: A Case Study of Karimunjawa Islands District, Central Java-Indonesia

Abstract

Circular Economy (CE) is increasingly used waste management concept especially in transition nations to transforms linear into a circular concept of waste production. CE sees waste as secondary raw material for re-production. Globally, CE has been studied and practiced in recent years. However, there are still few studies related to small islands. The characteristics of solid waste in small islands differ from the one on the Main Island, such as how solid wastes generated and the typology of solid waste. Karimunjawa Islands District is one of the small islands in Indonesia that has begun to experience environmental problems because of the excessive amount of solid waste. This study aims to identify the implementation of CE in small islands. This study was conducted by literature study, questionnaire, observation, interview with local stakeholders, and forum group discussion. The result revealed that there are leaks in macroeconomic aspects from manufacturing activities to consumption activities as well as market failures from consumption activities to waste disposal. It is indicated that waste management in small islands can be sustainable and independent after closing loops/leaks by procuring technology, setting clear regulations related to solid waste management, performing effective waste transportation, and holding house-to-house socialization regarding sustainable behavior.