Indonesian President’s Palm Oil Expansion Plan Sparks Environmental concerns
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s proposal to expand oil palm plantations to boost palm oil exports has ignited a heated debate among environmentalists and academics. Critics argue that the plan could exacerbate deforestation, threatening Indonesia’s rich biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions.
Prof. Budi Setiadi Daryono, Dean of the Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University and Chair of the Indonesian Biology Consortium (KOBI), has been vocal in his opposition.He warns that expanding oil palm plantations risks destroying forests and biodiversity. “Large, monoculture oil palm plantations increase conflicts between humans and wildlife.This has an impact on the decline in the population of protected animals, such as orangutans, elephants, rhinos, and Sumatran tigers,” Budi stated, as quoted from the UGM website.
Research shows that oil palm plantations offer almost no habitat for wildlife, with biodiversity levels nearing zero. Budi emphasized that deforestation caused by plantation expansion further endangers flora and fauna already protected by law. He urged the government to adhere to Presidential Instruction (inpres) Number 5 of 2019, which aims to halt new permits and improve the governance of primary natural forests and peatlands.Implementing this policy could save over 66 million hectares of natural forest and peatland—an area equivalent to france.budi also highlighted that oil palm is not classified as a forest plant under the Regulation of the Minister of Environment and Forestry Number P.23/2021. He called for more careful consideration of such policies, suggesting that strategic decisions be formulated through Bappenas (Indonesia’s National Development Planning Agency) with input from ministries, institutions, experts, and civil society.
Prof. Hadi Ali Kodra and Dr. wiratno, steering committee members of the Indonesian Biodiversity Index (IBI)-KOBI Committee, echoed thes concerns.They stressed the importance of Indonesia’s commitment to global environmental protection, citing international conventions such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD), the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), and the Ramsar Convention.
As one of the world’s megabiodiversity nations, alongside Brazil and Congo, Indonesia has a critical role in safeguarding its biological wealth. With 125 million hectares of forest and thousands of villages dependent on these ecosystems, environmental sustainability is vital for local communities. “If the forest is damaged, the impact will be felt by millions of farming families around the area,” said Hadi Ali kodra.
The debate underscores the delicate balance between economic growth and environmental preservation. While palm oil remains a key export for Indonesia, the potential ecological costs of unchecked expansion could have far-reaching consequences.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Proposal | Expand oil palm plantations to increase palm oil exports. |
| Environmental Impact | Risks deforestation, biodiversity loss, and human-wildlife conflicts. |
| Protected Species | Orangutans, elephants, rhinos, and Sumatran tigers at risk. |
| Policy Proposal | Adhere to presidential Instruction (Inpres) number 5 of 2019.|
| forest Area at Stake | Over 66 million hectares of natural forest and peatland. |
| Global Obligation | Indonesia’s role in upholding international environmental conventions. |
For more insights, read the full analysis on Academic advises Prabowo Study Palm oil Before Expansion. Stay updated with the latest news from Tempo on google News.
Balancing Palm Oil Expansion and Environmental Preservation in Indonesia
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s proposal to expand oil palm plantations has sparked a heated debate among environmentalists, academics, and policymakers. While the plan aims to boost palm oil exports,critics warn of severe environmental consequences,including deforestation,biodiversity loss,and threats to protected species like orangutans and Sumatran tigers.To shed light on this complex issue, we sat down with Dr. Maya Sari, an environmental scientist and biodiversity expert, to discuss the implications of the proposal and potential solutions.
The Environmental Risks of Palm Oil Expansion
Senior Editor: Dr. Sari, what are the primary environmental concerns associated with expanding oil palm plantations in Indonesia?
Dr. Maya Sari: The expansion of oil palm plantations poses significant risks to Indonesia’s rich biodiversity.Research shows that these monoculture plantations offer almost no habitat for wildlife, leading to biodiversity levels nearing zero. This is particularly alarming for species like orangutans, elephants, rhinos, and Sumatran tigers, which are already endangered. Additionally, deforestation caused by plantation expansion disrupts ecosystems, increases human-wildlife conflicts, and threatens the livelihoods of millions who depend on these forests.
The Impact on Protected Species
Senior Editor: Could you elaborate on how this expansion might affect Indonesia’s protected species?
Dr. Maya Sari: Certainly. Large-scale oil palm plantations fragment forests, isolating animal populations and reducing their access to food and mates. This leads to a decline in genetic diversity and increases the risk of extinction. For example, orangutans, which are highly dependent on forest habitats, face displacement and starvation as their natural habitats are destroyed. Similarly, Sumatran tigers and elephants are forced into closer contact with human settlements, resulting in conflicts that often end tragically for both humans and animals.
policy Recommendations and Global Obligations
senior Editor: What policies or measures do you believe the Indonesian government should prioritize to address these concerns?
Dr. Maya Sari: The government must adhere to existing policies like Presidential Instruction (Inpres) Number 5 of 2019, which aims to halt new permits for deforestation and improve the governance of primary natural forests and peatlands. Implementing this policy could save over 66 million hectares of natural forest and peatland—an area equivalent to France. Additionally, Indonesia has a global obligation to uphold international environmental conventions like the Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) and the Ramsar Convention. Strategic decisions should be formulated through Bappenas, with input from ministries, institutions, experts, and civil society to ensure a balanced approach.
The Role of Indonesia as a Megabiodiversity Nation
Senior Editor: As one of the world’s megabiodiversity nations, what role dose Indonesia play in global environmental protection?
Dr. Maya Sari: Indonesia is home to 125 million hectares of forest and thousands of unique species, making it a critical player in global biodiversity conservation.The country’s forests act as carbon sinks, helping to mitigate climate change. However, unchecked deforestation for palm oil expansion undermines these efforts.Indonesia must balance economic growth with environmental sustainability, ensuring that its natural resources are preserved for future generations while meeting its international commitments.
Economic Growth vs. Environmental Preservation
Senior Editor: How can Indonesia balance the economic benefits of palm oil exports with the need for environmental preservation?
Dr. Maya Sari: This is a delicate balance, but it’s achievable with careful planning and sustainable practices. the government should promote agroforestry and mixed-crop systems that integrate oil palm with othre plants, reducing the environmental impact. Additionally, investing in sustainable palm oil certification programs can help ensure that production meets environmental and social standards. It’s also crucial to support local communities by providing alternative livelihoods that do not rely on deforestation.By taking a holistic approach, Indonesia can protect its natural heritage while maintaining its economic growth.
Final Thoughts
Senior Editor: What message would you like to convey to policymakers and the public regarding this issue?
Dr. Maya Sari: I urge policymakers to prioritize long-term environmental sustainability over short-term economic gains. The health of our forests and biodiversity is not just an environmental issue—it’s a matter of national and global importance. For the public, I encourage everyone to stay informed and advocate for policies that protect our natural resources. Together, we can ensure that Indonesia remains a megabiodiversity nation for generations to come.
For more insights on this topic, read the full analysis on academic Advises Prabowo to Study Palm Oil Before Expansion. Stay updated with the latest news from Tempo on Google News.
