This research is motivated by marine debris caused by plastic waste, which
is rampant in the global environment and in Southeast Asia. Although regulated by
international law such as UNCLOS 1982, marine debris caused by plastic waste
will continue to have direct and indirect impacts on human life. International and
global organizations such as UNEP and ASEAN have already played a role, but
further research and follow-up are needed to address the problem of marine debris
caused by plastic waste, as this phenomenon will continue to be a global issue.
Therefore, the purpose of this study is to analyze the role of UNEP in addressing
the problem of marine debris caused by plastic waste in the ASEAN region. This
research uses a normative legal research method by examining international legal
rules and international agreements. The results show that UNEP has implemented
many programs in collaboration with ASEAN to address plastic waste pollution in
the seas of the ASEAN region. However, there are still challenges that hinder the
progress of their programs, causing this problem to continue and remain a serious
threat to the global community. There is a need to strengthen international legal
instruments, namely a shift from soft law to hard law in the implementation of
policies and recommendations from programs carried out by UNEP and ASEAN.
In addition, countries must also play an active role in implementing these programs.