InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA — The statement made by President Prabowo Subianto at the end of last year regarding palm oil has sparked intense discussions. The President claimed that the expansion of palm oil plantations should not be a cause for concern, as these plants can absorb carbon like other trees. “Palm oil is a tree, right? It has leaves, right? So it absorbs carbon dioxide,” he stated.
However, this statement has received various responses, particularly from environmental activists. Achmad Surambo, Executive Director of Sawit Watch, highlighted that while palm oil can absorb carbon, its capacity is not comparable to the impact of converting forests into palm oil plantations. “Palm oil plants have the potential to absorb carbon, but the emissions generated from land conversion, especially on peatlands, are far greater,” Surambo explained in an official statement received by InfoSAWIT on Saturday (January 11, 2025).
Research indicates that a 25-year-old oil palm tree can absorb up to 39.94 tons of carbon per hectare, equivalent to 146.58 tons of CO2-eq, with most of the carbon stored in its trunk. However, operational activities of palm oil plantations and changes in carbon storage due to land conversion result in significant emissions.
Studies show that emissions from palm oil plantation operations reach 4,180–6,225 kg CO2-eq per hectare per year. Meanwhile, converting forests into palm oil plantations on peatlands generates emissions of up to 1,835 tons CO2-eq, far exceeding the carbon that can be absorbed by palm oil plants.
Surambo emphasized that converting peatlands into palm oil plantations represents the worst-case scenario. “Carbon emissions from land conversion on peatlands are extremely high. This underscores that palm oil is not suitable for cultivation on peatlands if we want to save the planet,” he explained.
The government's plan to expand palm oil plantations has also raised questions about environmental carrying capacity. Research from Sawit Watch indicates that the maximum carrying capacity for palm oil plantations in Indonesia is only 18.15 million hectares, a figure that is nearly reached.
“Intensification strategies, rather than extensification, are the most sensible choice. The government needs to consider policies that support environmental sustainability and avoid planting palm oil on peatlands,” Surambo added.
With the pressing challenges of climate change, the ambition for palm oil expansion must be balanced with serious mitigation efforts. Sustainability-oriented policies are key to preventing further damage.
Can palm oil be a solution or will it become a new threat? This question remains a significant challenge for the government and society. (T2)