Headline: Indonesia’s Forests Under Siege: Biomass Demand Fuels Deforestation
As global demand for biomass escalates, Indonesia’s pristine forests face unprecedented destruction, posing a grave risk to biodiversity and climate stability.
Enormous swathes of Indonesia’s pristine forest are being decimated to satisfy soaring international demand for biomass materials. This demand is seen as crucial to many nations’ transitions to cleaner energy. Since 2021, nearly all biomass from forests obliterated for wood pellet production has been exported to South Korea and Japan, as uncovered by an examination of satellite imagery, company records, and Indonesian export data provided by the Associated Press (AP).
Both countries have injected millions of dollars into supporting biomass development in Indonesia. Meanwhile, Indonesia’s state-run utility, Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), is poised to significantly boost biomass use in its electricity generation.
The Threat to Indonesia’s Biodiverse Ecosystem
Experts and environmentalists express deep concern that the rising international and domestic demand, compounded by inadequate local regulations, will accelerate deforestation and inadvertently prolong reliance on highly polluting fossil fuels. Biomass—organic material derived from plants, wood, and agricultural waste—is considered a potential substitute for coal in energy generation. However, experts warn that the current approach may have dire consequences.
“Biomass production—which is only recently starting to be seen on an industrial scale in Indonesia—is a dire new threat to the country’s forests,” said Timer Manurung, director of Auriga Nusantara, an environmental and conservation group.
Rising Biomass Demand as Transition Accelerates
International Energy Agency (IEA) data reveals that bioenergy demand has grown, with an average increase of approximately 3% per annum between 2010 and 2022. The need for biomass to occur sustainably is a recurring theme among experts. They advocate using agricultural residues and waste rather than repurposing forested lands to grow bioenergy crops.
Deforestation is not just an environmental concern; it also contributes to erosion, damages biodiverse areas, threatens wildlife—including flagship species such as the Sumatran rhino, elephants, orangutans, and tigers—and exacerbates the impacts of extreme weather events.
Critics argue that burning wood-based biomass can release more carbon than coal and significantly undermines forests’ role in absorbing atmospheric carbon. “Using biomass to co-fire simply prolongs the use of coal rather than transitioning directly to clean energy,” they contend.
Alarm Bells Ringing Across Indonesia
As reported by Auriga Nusantara, more than 9,740 hectares (24,070 acres) of forest have been cleared in regions designated for biomass production since 2020. Over 1.4 million hectares (3,459,475 acres) are now set aside for energy plantation forests, with a third comprising undisturbed forest. The situation raises alarms for biodiversity, as more than half of the affected areas serve as habitat for critically endangered species.
In the carbon-rich forests of Gorontalo, Sulawesi, a tragic increase in deforestation has been noted. Satellite analysis indicates that over 3,000 hectares have been razed between 2021 and 2024 by the concession held by Banyan Tumbuh Lestari, a company responsible for wood pellet production.
Biomasa Jaya Abadi emerged as a significant player in Indonesia’s biomass export scene, accounting for a majority of wood pellets shipped from 2021 to 2023. Despite multiple requests for interviews and comments, both Biomasa Jaya Abadi and Banyan Tumbuh Lestari remained unresponsive, as did Indonesia’s relevant ministries.
Export Patterns and International Engagement
A closer examination of the data shows that between 2021 and 2023, a staggering 61% of Indonesia’s wood pellets were exported to South Korea, and 38% to Japan—indicating a pronounced dependence of these nations on Indonesian biomass. “Japan and South Korea’s governments are clearly aiming to lower their own domestic emissions with these imports,” noted Bhima Yudhistira, executive director of the Center of Economic and Law Studies in Indonesia.
Both countries have channeled significant financial support to bolster biomass production in Indonesia through various projects, research, and policy implementations. However, critical voices emphasize that the current trajectory may further jeopardize Indonesia’s unique ecology.
Moving Forward: The Pertinent Questions
As Indonesia ramps up biomass production to meet domestic electricity demands, PLN’s ambitious plans include a 10% biomass co-firing target for 52 coal plants. This undertaking could require eight million tons of biomass annually—far exceeding the current output capability of less than one million tons, as noted by Indonesian civil society organization Trend Asia.
To fulfill PLN’s objectives, a staggering 66% increase in forest plantation land would likely be necessary, leading to further encroachment on carbon-rich forests. Although PLN insists its biomass sourcing will primarily involve organic waste and not actively logged forests, doubts linger among experts over the lack of regulatory clarity surrounding the expanding biomass industry.
“We’re already far behind in terms of monitoring and regulating biomass production in Indonesia,” cautioned Yudhistira. “There’s definitely a lack of due diligence, and forests are suffering.”
As the world grapples with the pressing need for sustainable energy solutions, the repercussions of biomass-driven deforestation in Indonesia instigate critical dialogues about balancing energy needs with environmental preservation. The need for stringent regulations and responsible practices has never been more vital as countries seek ways to achieve clean energy transitions without compromising vital ecosystems.
As discussions continue, how can we as individuals and communities advocate for sustainable energy solutions that do not come at the cost of our forests and biodiversity? Share your thoughts and engage in the conversation surrounding this pressing issue.
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