InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA — Andi Muttaqien, Executive Director of Satya Bumi, has criticized a speech delivered by Indonesian President Joko Widodo, represented by Prabowo Subianto, during the National Development Planning Consultation (Musrenbangnas) for 2025-2029. Andi stated that the remarks pose a potential threat to the environment, particularly concerning the expansion of palm oil plantations and the clearing of natural forests.
Research conducted by Satya Bumi indicates that the maximum capacity for palm oil plantations in Indonesia is only 18.15 million hectares. “The palm oil industry in Indonesia has been excessively expansive over the past two decades. If left unchecked, the long-term economic and ecological losses could be substantial,” Andi remarked in a statement to InfoSAWIT on Wednesday (January 1, 2025).
Although data from Mapbiomas shows a decrease in deforestation due to palm oil plantations between 2018 and 2021, the figures rose again in 2022. According to Andi, a more prudent approach would be to intensify existing palm oil plantations rather than expanding into new areas that destroy natural forests.
Andi also criticized the President's understanding of deforestation as overly simplistic. “Deforestation is not just about barren land; it also involves the loss of protected forest landscapes rich in biodiversity. Tropical rainforests, for instance, can absorb up to 7.6 million tons of carbon per year, equivalent to 15% of annual human emissions,” he explained.
He emphasized that natural forests cannot be equated with monoculture palm oil plantations. Monoculture plantations not only reduce carbon absorption capacity but also deplete soil nutrients, making it difficult to reforest into natural forests.
According to Andi, the President's statement encouraging palm oil expansion contradicts Indonesia's climate commitments and the deforestation control measures that have been implemented. “Palm oil planted on former natural forest land cannot replace the functions of those forests. The differences are fundamental, and the President should understand this,” he asserted.
Satya Bumi urged the government to focus on managing existing palm oil land through intensification and environmentally friendly technologies, rather than opening new land that damages natural forests. (T2)