<![CDATA[Karang Tirta is an estuary formed by the Citumang and Sidamulih Rivers, located in Pangandaran Regency, West Java Province, Indonesia. Previous studies have identified microplastic pollution in the sediment and water column of this estuary, making it a relevant site for investigating the impacts of plastic pollution in tropical aquatic ecosystems. This study aimed to identify the sources and impacts of plastic and microplastic pollution in the Karang Tirta Estuary and to design effective waste management strategies to reduce microplastic contamination. Employing a non-experimental mixed-methods approach, data were collected through interviews, observations, and literature reviews, and subsequently analyzed using the Driver–Pressure–State–Impact–Response (DPSIR) framework. The findings revealed that plastic waste originated from three main sources: the tourism sector, household and municipal solid waste, and local agro-industrial activities. Waste leakage was exacerbated by limited public awareness and inadequate waste management services. The presence of plastic and microplastic pollution posed significant environmental risks, affecting aquatic biota, ecosystem functions, and surrounding communities. Based on these findings, the study proposed a series of preventive and corrective measures. Preventive measures included reducing plastic and microplastic use, implementing extended producer responsibility, strengthening environmental education and community participation, and applying incentives and sanctions in waste management. Corrective measures included installing trash barriers, organizing local cleanup initiatives, and applying biodegradation techniques to reduce existing plastic pollution.]]>
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