popular articles

Indonesia: A Forest Conversion Project Raises Concerns Among NGOs

The Indonesian government’s plan to convert 20 million hectares of forests for food and energy sparks criticism from NGOs, which warn of irreversible environmental consequences.

Please share:

The Indonesian government has recently unveiled an ambitious project to transform 20 million hectares of forests into reserves for food, energy, and water. The plan, championed by Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni, aims to achieve self-sufficiency in food and energy, particularly through increased biofuel production. However, environmental organizations have criticized the initiative, calling it “illogical and destructive.”

According to official statements, Indonesia has identified 1.1 million hectares capable of producing 3.5 million tons of rice annually, equivalent to the country’s total rice imports in 2023. Additionally, the government plans to use these lands to cultivate sugar palms for bioethanol production, a renewable alternative to fossil fuels. President Prabowo Subianto has emphasized that this initiative would strengthen the archipelago’s energy self-sufficiency while reducing its reliance on imported fuels.

A Controversial Project

Nevertheless, the plan has been strongly criticized by the Clean Transition Coalition, an alliance of several environmental NGOs. In a statement, the coalition highlighted the risks of massive biodiversity loss and deforestation. It argued that the conversion of forested areas would significantly undermine Indonesia’s food and energy security goals. “The project could lead to an expansion of palm oil production, increasing pressure on already exploited lands,” said Achmad Surambo, executive director of Sawit Watch.

Research conducted by the NGO Satya Bumi reveals that palm oil plantations already cover 17.77 million hectares across Indonesia. Further expansion of these plantations could have devastating effects on ecosystems and local communities, experts warn.

Government Under Pressure

In response to the criticism, the Minister of Forestry sought to reassure stakeholders. He stated that the project would not lead to the destruction of virgin forests but would instead utilize an agroforestry system to maximize the function of already leased lands. According to him, the initiative would prioritize existing concessions rather than targeting pristine areas.

Despite these assurances, NGOs remain skeptical. They argue that even converting agricultural lands for energy crops destined for export could harm ecosystems. They recommend that the government focus on optimizing existing agricultural lands, respecting indigenous rights, and implementing a genuinely sustainable land reform policy.

An Ecological and Economic Dilemma

The project raises critical questions about the balance between economic development and environmental protection in a country where forests play a vital role in global biodiversity. With an area almost twice the size of Java Island involved, the initiative highlights the tension between national needs and global sustainability responsibilities.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

France will invest €100 billion to modernize its power grid by 2035. However, the impact on consumer bills will be limited, according to the network manager RTE.
The Watt For Change Foundation and the French Development Agency are joining forces to support three initiatives aimed at improving access to renewable energy in Benin, Mauritania, and Madagascar. A €860,000 three-year partnership dedicated to assisting local associations.
The Watt For Change Foundation and the French Development Agency are joining forces to support three initiatives aimed at improving access to renewable energy in Benin, Mauritania, and Madagascar. A €860,000 three-year partnership dedicated to assisting local associations.
The Tanzanian government plans to invest $12.9 billion to add 2.4 GW to its power grid by 2030. This funding aims to expand electricity access to 75% of the population, with significant participation from the private sector.
The Tanzanian government plans to invest $12.9 billion to add 2.4 GW to its power grid by 2030. This funding aims to expand electricity access to 75% of the population, with significant participation from the private sector.
A court demands that all funding linked to federal energy and climate laws, previously suspended, be immediately put back into circulation. This decision is based on a federal judgment challenging the legality of a freeze imposed by the American executive.
A court demands that all funding linked to federal energy and climate laws, previously suspended, be immediately put back into circulation. This decision is based on a federal judgment challenging the legality of a freeze imposed by the American executive.
At the World Summit on Artificial Intelligence in Paris, Emmanuel Macron highlighted nuclear energy as a power source for technological infrastructures, countering Donald Trump's plans to massively expand oil drilling in the United States.
Canada will need to build energy infrastructure on an unprecedented scale to meet the federal government's goal of eliminating greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity sector by 2050. A major technical and economic challenge marked by delays and significant costs.
Canada will need to build energy infrastructure on an unprecedented scale to meet the federal government's goal of eliminating greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity sector by 2050. A major technical and economic challenge marked by delays and significant costs.
The majority of countries have not submitted their new climate roadmaps to the UN before the February 10 deadline. This delay raises questions about the priorities of major economies amid geopolitical shifts and economic uncertainty.
The majority of countries have not submitted their new climate roadmaps to the UN before the February 10 deadline. This delay raises questions about the priorities of major economies amid geopolitical shifts and economic uncertainty.
Joseph Saddi is the new Minister of Energy in Lebanon. He inherits a sector weakened by reliance on imports and failing infrastructure, while international partnerships struggle to restart oil and gas exploration.
Joseph Saddi is the new Minister of Energy in Lebanon. He inherits a sector weakened by reliance on imports and failing infrastructure, while international partnerships struggle to restart oil and gas exploration.
Rosatom announces the development of a plasma rocket engine prototype capable of reducing the journey to Mars to just 30 days. This technological breakthrough could have major strategic implications in the race for space exploration.
The Canadian government allocates $43.5 million to strengthen energy policy related to critical minerals in Quebec. This investment aims to support infrastructure and research, consolidating the country's strategic supply chains.
The Canadian government allocates $43.5 million to strengthen energy policy related to critical minerals in Quebec. This investment aims to support infrastructure and research, consolidating the country's strategic supply chains.
Electricity consumption in France increased by 0.7% in 2024, reaching 449.2 terawatt-hours, according to RTE. This slight rise marks a turning point after two years of decline but remains well below pre-2020 levels.
Electricity consumption in France increased by 0.7% in 2024, reaching 449.2 terawatt-hours, according to RTE. This slight rise marks a turning point after two years of decline but remains well below pre-2020 levels.
The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has announced a reduction in renewable energy subsidies in China. New projects will now have to sell their electricity at market prices, marking a transition to a more autonomous economic model.
The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has announced a reduction in renewable energy subsidies in China. New projects will now have to sell their electricity at market prices, marking a transition to a more autonomous economic model.
Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia have finalized their synchronization with the European electricity grid, ending their dependence on Russian infrastructure. This project, funded with €1.6 billion, strengthens the region’s energy security.
French electricity exports generated a record €5 billion in 2024, driven by increased volumes despite falling market prices. Italy, Germany, and Belgium are among the main importers.
French electricity exports generated a record €5 billion in 2024, driven by increased volumes despite falling market prices. Italy, Germany, and Belgium are among the main importers.
France’s electricity exports generated €5 billion in 2024, an unprecedented level driven by increased volumes despite declining market prices. Italy, Germany, and Belgium were among the main importers.
France’s electricity exports generated €5 billion in 2024, an unprecedented level driven by increased volumes despite declining market prices. Italy, Germany, and Belgium were among the main importers.
Engie announces an exceptional increase of €50 for energy vouchers benefiting eligible customers and doubles its contribution to the Housing Solidarity Fund (FSL). This measure comes as rising electricity taxes impact consumers.
Engie announces an exceptional increase of €50 for energy vouchers benefiting eligible customers and doubles its contribution to the Housing Solidarity Fund (FSL). This measure comes as rising electricity taxes impact consumers.
La Lituanie, la Lettonie et l'Estonie vont couper leurs derniers liens avec le réseau électrique russe. Ce basculement, prévu le 8 février, marque leur intégration complète au réseau européen après des années de préparation et d'investissements.
Indonesia must manage ambitious climate commitments while maintaining energy stability. The Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), aimed at mobilizing $20 billion, faces financial obstacles and uncertainties regarding international funding.
Indonesia must manage ambitious climate commitments while maintaining energy stability. The Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), aimed at mobilizing $20 billion, faces financial obstacles and uncertainties regarding international funding.
The recent changes in U.S. tariff policies could affect the global energy industry, particularly trade in key products such as natural gas and renewable energy equipment.
The recent changes in U.S. tariff policies could affect the global energy industry, particularly trade in key products such as natural gas and renewable energy equipment.
The Vietnamese government is adjusting its timeline for the implementation of its carbon market. Initially planned for 2028, the official launch will now take place in 2029 after a three-year pilot phase. This delay aims to strengthen the regulatory and technical framework.
The Vietnamese government is adjusting its timeline for the implementation of its carbon market. Initially planned for 2028, the official launch will now take place in 2029 after a three-year pilot phase. This delay aims to strengthen the regulatory and technical framework.
The BloombergNEF 2024 report reveals a historic record of global investments in the low-carbon energy transition, driven by electrified transport, renewable energy, and power grids.
The High Council for Climate (HCC) presents six conditions for the energy transition. The opinion outlines areas to strengthen, particularly regarding budget mobilization and planning for the phase-out of fossil fuels.
The High Council for Climate (HCC) presents six conditions for the energy transition. The opinion outlines areas to strengthen, particularly regarding budget mobilization and planning for the phase-out of fossil fuels.
At the heart of the vast northern expanses, Sami communities see their ancestral ways of life challenged by the rise of renewable projects. A factual narrative revealing the tensions between economic modernization and the preservation of millennia-old traditions.
At the heart of the vast northern expanses, Sami communities see their ancestral ways of life challenged by the rise of renewable projects. A factual narrative revealing the tensions between economic modernization and the preservation of millennia-old traditions.
The 15% tariff reduction affects over 24 million subscribers in France, with disparities depending on regulated and market offers, amid fluctuations in energy costs, taxes, and transmission fees.
The 15% tariff reduction affects over 24 million subscribers in France, with disparities depending on regulated and market offers, amid fluctuations in energy costs, taxes, and transmission fees.

Advertising