For 19-year-old Imam, plastic on East Java's beaches is a daily hazard. He's seen livestock mistaking bits of debris for food—an emblem of a growing plastic pollution crisis.
Beyond environmental damage, Imam worries for his own health. After inhaling fumes from burning waste, he developed asthma symptoms that disrupt his daily life and studies.
At the local hospital, Dr. Ferdaus reports a rise in pollution-related illnesses, from diarrhea and gastrointestinal issues to more frequent respiratory problems. "We're studying long-term effects and alerting residents to potential risks," he explains.
Imam's story reveals how plastic pollution harms both health and livelihoods—an urgent call for community-driven solutions in East Java.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
