Ulfah Oktarida Sihaloho, Rusliadi Rusliadi

Collaborative Governance in Plastic Waste Recycling in Medan City: Integrating Informal Sector, Community Participation, and Policy

Introduction

Collaborative governance in plastic waste recycling in medan city: integrating informal sector, community participation, and policy. Study collaborative governance in Medan's plastic waste recycling. Integrates informal sector, community, and policy to boost sorting rates, formalize waste pickers, and create a sustainable system.

Abstract

Medan City faces low household participation in waste sorting—only 20 % regularly—and limited integration of the informal sector, which nonetheless collects approximately 30 % of recyclable materials. This study examines the role of collaborative governance in enhancing community engagement, formalizing the contributions of waste pickers, and improving policy coordination to establish a sustainable plastic recycling system. A qualitative case study design was adopted, comprising 15 in‑depth interviews with representatives from government agencies, informal sector actors, recycling businesses, and community members; field observations at three TPS/TPA sites; and analysis of relevant policy documents. Results reveal that inadequate sorting facilities and deficient public education impede household involvement; waste pickers operate without formal incentives, leading to suboptimal participation; and overlapping institutional mandates hinder effective policy implementation. In response, an integrated education campaign with the distribution of 10000 sorting bins over six months, direct subsidies of IDR 50000 per ton for registered waste pickers, and the establishment of a quarterly cross‑sectoral coordination forum are proposed. Implementation of these measures is projected to increase sorting rates to 60 % and integrate 80 % of informal actors into the formal recycling framework.

Review

This study offers a timely and crucial examination of collaborative governance in addressing plastic waste recycling challenges in Medan City. By identifying the critical issues of low household participation, limited integration of the informal sector, and fragmented policy coordination, the research provides a clear diagnosis of an unsustainable system. The qualitative case study approach, employing diverse data collection methods including interviews, field observations, and policy analysis, promises a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the local context. The paper's focus on developing actionable recommendations for improving waste sorting rates and formalizing the informal sector makes it a highly relevant contribution to urban sustainability and waste management discourse, particularly in developing urban settings. A significant strength of this research lies in its robust methodology and the practical applicability of its findings. The multi-stakeholder interview approach, combined with direct field observations, effectively uncovers the systemic issues impeding effective recycling, such as infrastructural deficiencies, public awareness gaps, and institutional overlaps. The proposed interventions—an integrated education campaign with sorting bin distribution, direct subsidies for registered waste pickers, and the establishment of a cross-sectoral coordination forum—are directly responsive to the identified problems and demonstrate a well-thought-out strategy for fostering collaborative governance. The clearly articulated projected outcomes, such as a substantial increase in sorting rates and the formal integration of informal actors, highlight the potential for impactful change. While the study presents a compelling case for its proposed interventions, the abstract could benefit from a brief elaboration on the theoretical underpinnings of its collaborative governance framework. A clearer articulation of which specific models or theories of collaborative governance inform the analysis would strengthen its academic rigor. Furthermore, while the projected outcomes are ambitious and positive, a brief mention of potential challenges in implementation, such as sustained funding for subsidies and bins, or the mechanisms for ensuring inter-agency cooperation within the proposed forum, would provide a more holistic view of the path forward. Despite these minor suggestions, the study stands as a well-conceived and highly relevant piece of research with significant practical implications.

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