Jakarta. Chandra Asri Pacific (Chandra Asri Group) recently built a 50.2-kilometer plastic asphalt road in Garut, West Java. 

This program is part of Chandra Asri Group’s commitment to a circular economy, and to abide by the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. Chandra Asri Group is also partnering with the sub-national government.

“Plastic asphalt is an innovative solution to tackle plastic waste in Indonesia. We do so by collaborating with multiple stakeholders. The development will provide a comprehensive solution, raise environmental awareness, and build a resilient community in Garut,” Chandra Asri Group’s circular economy and partnership manager Nicko Setyabudi said.

Garut’s regional secretary Nurdin Yana said that the plastic asphalt road is a partnership between Yayasan Bakti Barito Foundation and Chandra Asri Group. 

“Plastic waste is a major pollution problem. Plastic does not decompose easily, and the presence of plastic asphalt can reduce waste production. In 2022, we built plastic asphalt roads that spanned 16.56 kilometers in 6 roads. In 2023, the plastic asphalt road spanned 33.68 kilometers and spread across 17 roads,” Nurdin said.

Nurdin said Garut was happy to have worked with Chandra Asri Group to build plastic asphalt roads. Garut's plastic asphalt road is also the longest compared to other locations that also undertook this initiative. Chandra Asri Group has constructed 120.8 kilometers of plastic asphalt roads. 

Indonesian Recycled Plastic Association’s deputy chairman Justin Wiganda said he was proud to participate in this collaboration. 

"This [initiative] will not only improve the public infrastructure but can also help boost the economy,” Justin said.