Socio-economic embeddedness of importance-performance analysis of single-use plastic limitation policies: policy perspectives in plastic segregation for the circular economy

The escalating issue of single-use plastic waste in rapidly urbanizing cities necessitates policy frameworks that integrate behavioral participation with transitions toward a circular economy. This study investigates public perceptions of policies aimed at limiting single-use plastics and the determinants of willingness to engage in plastic segregation programs in Jakarta, Indonesia. Specifically, the research seeks to identify critical policy gaps and socio-economic factors that influence public participation in plastic reduction initiatives. A structured survey was administered, which included a 50-respondent pre-test followed by a sample of 500 residents in Jakarta, with data analyzed using Importance–Performance Analysis (IPA), paired sample t-tests, and probit-logit regression models within an adaptive capacity framework encompassing dimensions of assets, flexibility, organization, learning, and agency. The IPA results indicate that community leadership and alternative material usage are categorized as successful programs exhibiting both high importance and high performance. Conversely, community self-reliance, product innovation, and packaging industry effectiveness emerged as priority gaps, revealing high public expectations coupled with weaker implementation performance. Additionally, workforce skills, feedback systems, and variety in policy instruments were classified as lower-priority areas, while investment in recycling infrastructure was identified as a potential area of resource over-allocation. Regression analysis reveals that factors such as environmental awareness, health concerns, higher educational attainment, female gender, consumer preference for low-plastic products, and perceived policy importance significantly enhance willingness to participate in plastic segregation programs. In contrast, perceived economic benefits and existing sustainable consumption habits exhibit negative correlations, indicating that awareness alone does not necessarily lead to active segregation behavior. The findings suggest that policymakers should prioritize the development of community-based leadership programs, enhance incentives for product innovation, improve household-level segregation systems, and expand affordable alternatives to single-use plastics.