Navigating the Crossroads: Understanding the Complex Dynamics of Deforestation in Indonesia

Indonesia, with its lush rainforests and diverse ecosystems, has long been at the forefront of global environmental concerns due to alarming deforestation rates. Read More: 5 Big Threats of Deforestation

Its tens of thousands of species find a home above, below, and within the canopy of the forests that span 921 thousand square kilometres, or 49% of the total land area, now are under the threat of dangerous deforestation and climate change.

In this article, we delve into the multifaceted nature of deforestation in Indonesia, exploring its impacts, and environmental dynamics and policies at play. Read More: 5 Daerah di Indonesia dengan Deforestasi Terparah Tahun 2023

Deforestation

Deforestation – Unraveling the Drivers

According to an analysis of the World Research Institute to Global Forest Watch, it shows that oil palm and wood fibre plantations, mainly for pulp and paper industries, were the two largest contributors to forest loss in Indonesia. 

Cultivating more area than the permit allows, or from excessive timber harvesting is also a driver for deforestation. This occurs with the massive forest fires, logging roads, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure projects that often require clearing large areas of forest.

Deforestation – Climate Change Implications

Indonesian mangrove forests and peatlands are one of the largest in the world, which makes Indonesia one of the mega biodiversity countries in the world. Hence, the act of deforestation in Indonesia will directly impact the global environment.

Currently, climate change is a discourse that arises in the world when it comes to deforestation. Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and storing it in biomass (trees, plants) and soil. 

When forests are cleared or degraded through deforestation, the stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere in the form of CO2 emissions. This process significantly contributes to the greenhouse effect, trapping heat in the Earth’s atmosphere and leading to global warming and climate change.

Deforestation – Government Policies and International Collaboration

In addressing deforestation, government policies, conservation initiatives, as well as international collaboration are crucial aspects. The amended Indonesian Constitution explicitly mentions environmental protection and forest management. First, it states that “every person shall have the right … to enjoy a good and healthy environment”. Additionally, the Constitution dictates that public resources such as forests are to be considered state property in many circumstances – specifically, that public land and any forest resources within it “shall be under the powers of the State and shall be used to the greatest benefit of the people.”

Align with the amended Indonesian constitution, some conservation initiatives also be a strategy to combat deforestation in Indonesia. One example is the Social Forestry Programme launched by the Indonesian government, which allows communities to manage and protect forests while managing the economic benefit of it.

Besides, the international collaborations such as REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) adopted in Indonesia will also contribute to the success of promoting sustainable forest management.

Concerning the effort of combating deforestation that now is a big matter in Indonesia, Satuplatform presents an all-in-one solution that gives reliable ESG reports and calculations for entities to be more aware when projecting their business to forest environment.  Consult the ESG efforts of now with Satuplatform FREE DEMO!