Being the world's second highest contributor of plastic waste to oceans, earlier this year, Indonesia was in a state of emergency with regard to waste problems. A series of campaigns to clean its beaches have been carried out, however, environmental activists believe that it is essential to enhance tourists' awareness of the importance of the environmental protection.

Popular islands to tourists including Boracay in the Philippines and Koh Phi Phi in Thailand will be off limits to protect their ecosystems. The authorities said developing tourism plays an important role but they also stress the need to preserve the environment for future generations.