Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) officially enforces Rector’s Regulation No. 125 of 2024 on the Prohibition of Single-Use Plastic Use at UNNES, reaffirming its leadership as a Conservation University committed to reducing plastic waste and promoting eco-conscious behavior across campus. This policy serves as a binding directive for all faculties, institutions, work units, canteens, and vendors within the university environment.
Purpose and Scope
The regulation aims to reduce environmental pollution from plastic waste and foster sustainable consumption patterns. It applies to all UNNES environments—academic, administrative, and public service areas—ensuring that plastic reduction becomes an institutional culture.
Prohibited Items and Practices
The regulation explicitly prohibits the use, distribution, or sale of single-use plastics, including:
- Plastic shopping bags (for packaging or carrying goods);
- Plastic straws and plastic cups or bottles (mineral water bottles, soft drink containers, etc.);
- Styrofoam food containers and other single-use food packaging;
- Plastic-based cutlery (spoons, forks, plates, and drinking cups);
- Plastic banners and decorations used in official or student events.
UNNES mandates all units to replace these with environmentally friendly alternatives, such as:
- Reusable containers (glass, stainless steel, or bamboo);
- Refillable bottles and tumblers for drinking;
- Eco-bags or cloth bags for shopping and packaging;
- Recycled paper materials for banners or promotional items.
Implementation and Responsibilities
Each faculty, bureau, and work unit is responsible for implementing this policy within its operational area.
- Canteens and food stalls within campus are forbidden from selling products packaged in single-use plastics and are encouraged to serve meals using reusable or biodegradable containers.
- Event organizers (students, staff, or faculties) must prepare eco-friendly facilities—for example, providing dispensers or refill stations instead of bottled water, and ensuring waste is separated for recycling.
- Procurement activities must prioritize vendors who adhere to plastic-free and sustainable packaging standards.
Monitoring and Evaluation
The enforcement and supervision of this regulation are handled by the Hijau Bersih Aman dan Sehat (H-BAT) Task Force, coordinated under the Subdirectorate of Conservation. Regular inspections and sustainability audits are conducted to ensure full compliance across campus. Units are also required to report progress and submit evaluations regarding waste reduction and plastic minimization.
Sanctions for Non-Compliance
To ensure the policy’s effectiveness, UNNES imposes administrative sanctions for those who violate the regulation, including:
- Verbal or written warnings for first violations;
- Temporary restrictions on organizing events or campus activities for repeated offenses;
- Recommendation for vendor replacement if campus canteen or supplier violates multiple times.
Expected Impact
Through this regulation, UNNES not only aims to eliminate single-use plastics from campus activities but also to educate students, staff, and partners about the importance of environmental conservation. The shift toward reusable products, recycling systems, and responsible procurement helps reduce landfill waste and carbon emissions while building sustainable campus culture.
This initiative complements UNNES’s broader conservation agenda, including the operation of the Integrated Waste Management Site (TPST) and the Circular Letter on Waste Recycling, making UNNES a model for plastic-free and eco-friendly higher education institutions in Indonesia.
