Jakarta, 1 July 2026 – Rising raw material costs and shifting global supply chain dynamics are driving Indonesian industries to develop more efficient, sustainable, and high-value-added material innovations. In response to these challenges, the Indonesian Polymer Association (HPI), together with Pamerindo Indonesia, presents the Indonesia Polymer Award (IPA) 2026, an award and collaboration platform aimed at encouraging polymer innovations that support the transformation of Indonesia’s industries.

As part of the series of exhibitions Plastic Material & Chemical Indonesia and Plastics & Rubber Indonesia 2026, which will take place this coming November, IPA 2026 serves as a platform that brings together the research community, industry, academics, startups, and stakeholders to accelerate the implementation of material solutions that support industrial efficiency, the circular economy, and the strengthening of Indonesia’s manufacturing ecosystem.

Meysia Stephannie, Portfolio Director of PT Pamerindo Indonesia, stated, “The polymer industry plays an important role in supporting various strategic sectors, including manufacturing, automotive, electronics, and packaging. Amid global challenges related to raw material costs and sustainability, material innovation has become a key factor in maintaining Indonesia’s industrial competitiveness. Through Indonesia Polymer Award 2026, we aim to strengthen collaboration between research institutions and industry players to ensure that innovations can deliver tangible impacts for the development of national industries.”

The need for polymer innovation is becoming increasingly relevant as supply chain pressures on raw materials continue to intensify. A study by the Institute for Economic and Social Research, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Indonesia (LPEM FEB UI), titled “National Plastic Crisis Amid Global Shocks” and published in April 2026, noted significant price increases in several major resins throughout 2026, with polypropylene (PP) rising by 23.8%, polyethylene (PE) by 16.3%, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) by 11% compared to the previous year. These changes were driven by developments in the global energy market and petrochemical industry, which have affected production costs across various sectors that utilize polymer materials.

Meanwhile, Statistics Indonesia (BPS) reported that Indonesia imported 1.65 million tons of plastics and plastic products during the first quarter of 2026, valued at approximately IDR 44.11 trillion. This situation highlights the importance of developing local material innovations, increasing recycling capacity, and adopting more efficient polymer technologies to strengthen the resilience of the national industrial supply chain.

The Indonesian Polymer Association (HPI) believes that polymer innovation has now become a strategic necessity for industry rather than merely a research agenda.

“Indonesia has significant potential through its human resources, research capabilities, and industrial experience in the polymer sector. The next challenge is accelerating the downstream implementation of innovations so they can be applied and generate added value for the industry. Collaboration among academics, researchers, industry players, public stakeholders, and the government is key to bridging market needs with the development of technologies that support efficiency, the circular economy, and national industrial independence,” said Prof. Dr. Ir. M Chalid S.Si.,M.Sc.Eng., Chairman of the Indonesian Polymer Association.

Beyond the award programme, IPA 2026 will also feature a webinar series as a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange among industry players, academics, regulators, and researchers. The series will discuss strategic issues, including the development of sustainable materials, the circular economy, and polymer technology transformation.

The IPA 2026 evaluation process will be conducted through a jury panel comprising polymer experts, industry practitioners, regulators, and sustainability specialists. Entries will be assessed based on technical relevance, industrial applicability, resource efficiency, and contributions to sustainability. The Indonesia Polymer Award 2026 will take place on 19 November 2026, coinciding with the third day of Plastics & Rubber Indonesia 2026.

Indonesia Polymer Award 2026 offers an opportunity for stakeholders from across the ecosystem to contribute to the advancement of polymer innovation in Indonesia. More than just an award program, IPA 2026 is expected to serve as a collaborative platform that accelerates the development of material solutions, strengthens national industrial competitiveness, and supports the transition toward a more sustainable economy.