On July 27, 2025, Piknik Bebas Plastik (Plastic-Free Picnic) returned as part of the Pawai Bebas Plastik (Plastic Free Parade) campaign, joining the global momentum of Plastic Free July. This year, the event went beyond promoting a low-waste lifestyle—it strengthened the implementation of the Reuse Protocol, an experiential guide for using reuse systems in public spaces. Organized by Plasticdiet Indonesia, Indorelawan, WALHI Nasional, WALHI Jakarta, Econusa, Pandu Laut, and Divers Clean Action at Taman Langsat, South Jakarta, the picnic offered an engaging and educational public experience, designed and executed with a minimal waste approach.
With over 300 participants—ranging from community groups, young families, and university students to school children—Piknik Bebas Plastik was much more than just a picnic. Visitors enjoyed a vibrant Sunday through activities such as:
- Upcycling and ecoprint workshops
- Live demonstrations of reuse systems by members of the Indonesian Reuse Association
- Talk shows on Plastic Pollution & False Solutions, and the Implementation of Single-Use Plastic Bans through Reuse Systems
- Educational games by Rumah Minim Sampah
- A pop-up library on low-waste living
- Live music performances
Food and beverages were served completely free from single-use plastic packaging. Guests were encouraged to bring their own reusable eating and drinking utensils—or borrow them from the organizers. A designated washing station was available so borrowed items could be cleaned and reused by others throughout the day.
From 1,000 portions of food and drinks served to 300+ attendees, the Reuse Protocol successfully prevented the use of:
- 240+ plastic containers
- 300+ plastic bags without handling
- 200+ plastic shopping bags
In addition, 180 reusable containers provided for borrowing were used 3–4 times each by different guests or for different meals. Free refill stations were also available, enabling visitors to fill their own bottles or borrow cups. This alone prevented 500+ single-use plastic water bottles from being consumed.
The success of Piknik Bebas Plastik 2025 proves that large-scale public events can thrive without dependence on single-use plastics—as long as the right systems, facilities, and consistent public education are in place.
This milestone would not have been possible without the collaboration of local communities, reuse business players, and passionate youth volunteers who served as the heart of on-site education. Support from the Plastic Free Foundation further cemented the event’s position as part of a global movement to end plastic pollution, showcasing an Indonesian-led solution to reducing single-use plastics through the Reuse Protocol.
