The Balantieng watershed in South Sulawesi is rich in biodiversity and renowned for its clean water. Yet this lifeline is under growing pressure. As a vital source of drinking water and irrigation for thousands of people, the river is increasingly polluted by household waste—especially plastic. Heavy rains wash waste onto rice and clove fields and carry it downstream to the coast, where it threatens seaweed farms and marine biodiversity.

From struggle to action: a farmer’s story

“When the rainy season arrives, plastic waste drifts down the river and settles in the fields,” says Ibu Rahma, a farmer from Batukaropa Village. She describes how it tangles in her rice plants and clogs the irrigation channels. At times, the only option seems to be burning it—yet the smoke causes coughing and illness for her family. Like many in the Balantieng watershed, she wants to protect her land and water, but lacks the tools to manage the waste. Her story reflects the daily struggle of farmers, women, and youth across the region—those who bear the brunt of plastic pollution, but who are now stepping forward as leaders of change.

Working together for a clean river

With support from the Global Environmental Fund SGP-Indonesia, Makara and Ecoton Indonesia collaborate with women like Ibu Rahma, as well as youth and schools across the region. By raising awareness and enabling local action, communities are finding ways to reduce plastic use and develop sustainable alternatives.

Plastic pollution in the Balantieng River is fueled by a lack of waste management systems and limited understanding of its impacts. Waste accumulates along riverbanks, in villages, and on beaches, and is often burned—polluting air, soil, and water. Without action, biodiversity and local livelihoods remain at risk.

First achievements

In just one year’s time, the project has made visible progress:

💧 Twelve women and youth groups across six villages trained in water quality monitoring, advocacy, and green business development.
💧 Four villages allocated Village Funds to support community-led waste management initiatives.
💧 Two women’s groups launched local Refill stores, offering sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics.
💧 Students presented their microplastic research to the Bulukumba Regional Parliament, raising awareness among decision-makers.

These steps show how local leadership and partnerships can create change.

Our approach

At the heart of the project is empowering communities—especially women—to lead plastic reduction efforts. Through training, citizen science, zero-waste initiatives, and collaboration with local authorities, we are building a movement for long-term, sustainable change.

Curious to learn more? Discover the full story of our methods and results in the report below.