In 2025, the fight for an asbestos ban in Indonesia took a major step forward. The Indonesian Supreme Court ruled that all asbestos-containing products must include warning labels describing the health risks. Public health advocates viewed this as a breakthrough in a country where asbestos remains legal and widely used.
However, this ruling triggered intense backlash. The Fibre Cement Manufacturers’ Association (FICMA), a powerful industry group representing asbestos producers from Russia, China, and Kazakhstan, launched a defamation lawsuit against the activists who led the campaign. They demanded over US$520,000 per month in damages, accusing them of spreading falsehoods about chrysotile asbestos.
Despite this aggressive legal action, Indonesia’s Central Jakarta District Court dismissed the lawsuit in February 2025, reinforcing the activists’ right to advocate for public health.
Even with this legal win, a complete asbestos ban has not been enacted. The material remains in circulation, especially in low-income communities and construction sectors. Without broader regulation, the country continues to see more than 1,600 asbestos-related deaths each year, according to the World Health Organization.
Activists and unions continue their campaign, pushing for stronger legislation and public education. Their work is vital in a country where misinformation about “safe asbestos” is still common.
Asbestos Ban in Australia: From National Tragedy to Comprehensive Policy
The asbestos ban in Australia was officially enacted on 31 December 2003, following decades of public exposure, illness, and loss. Australia had one of the world’s highest rates of asbestos use, particularly in construction materials and insulation products from the 1940s through the late 1980s.
Earlier partial bans included:
- Blue asbestos (crocidolite) banned in 1967
- Brown asbestos (amosite) banned in the 1980s
- Full ban on all types and uses, including imports, implemented by 2003
The path to this national policy was marked by high-profile legal cases, including a major settlement in 2005 involving James Hardie Industries. That case resulted in a $4.5 billion compensation fund to assist victims of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses.
Even with a total ban, asbestos remains a threat in Australia due to its legacy presence in buildings, soil, and infrastructure. Approximately one in three Australian homes still contain asbestos materials, especially those built before 1990.
Australia faces several ongoing challenges:
- Over 4,000 people die annually from asbestos-related diseases
- The Sydney asbestos mulch crisis in 2024 exposed contaminated landscaping materials in public parks, schools, and hospitals
- A 2024 government report suggested relaxing zero-tolerance rules for asbestos in recycled materials, sparking strong public backlash
Efforts to manage existing asbestos include strict guidelines for removal, public awareness campaigns, and enforcement through the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency.
Why a Global Asbestos Ban Still Matters
The health risks of asbestos are well-documented and irreversible. According to the World Health Organization, asbestos exposure causes diseases such as:
- Mesothelioma
- Lung cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Laryngeal cancer
- Asbestosis
Globally, asbestos exposure causes over 200,000 deaths every year. Yet more than 100 countries, including Indonesia, still permit its use—often under the false assumption that chrysotile asbestos is safer than other forms.
The International Labour Organization and World Health Assembly both support a global ban on all forms of asbestos. But industry lobbying and weak regulation continue to hinder that goal in many nations.
Efforts in Australia and Indonesia offer contrasting lessons. Australia shows how sustained legal, medical, and political pressure can lead to a comprehensive national ban. Indonesia’s recent court victories demonstrate how grassroots activism can challenge powerful industry interests and change policy, even without a full ban in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is asbestos still legal in Indonesia?
Yes. As of 2025, asbestos is still legal in Indonesia. However, a Supreme Court ruling now requires all asbestos products to include clear health warnings.
When did Australia ban asbestos?
Australia banned all forms of asbestos on 31 December 2003. The country had previously banned specific types in the 1960s and 1980s.
What are the health risks of asbestos exposure?
Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and other fatal illnesses. There is no safe level of exposure.
How many countries have banned asbestos?
More than 70 countries have fully banned asbestos, but many others, including Indonesia, still allow it in construction and manufacturing.
What was the Sydney asbestos mulch crisis?
In 2024, asbestos-contaminated mulch was found in parks, schools, and hospitals across Sydney. It triggered the largest EPA investigation in New South Wales history.
Why do some industries claim chrysotile is safe?
Chrysotile lobbyists are motivated to keep selling chrysotile asbestos. However, the World Health Organization classifies it as a carcinogen with no safe exposure level. Decades of scientific research confirm that all fiber types, including chrysotile, cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis and other diseases. There is no safe level of exposure to any type of asbestos fiber.
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Asbestos Ban in Indonesia and Australia: 2025 Update and Legal Battle
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Asbestos ban efforts in Indonesia and Australia reveal the global fight to protect public health. Learn how laws and lawsuits are shaping change.
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