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Forest Conversion for Palm Oil: Forestry Expert Warns of Environmental Impact



Doc. Special/Forestry expert from Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta (UMS), Aziz Akbar Mukasyaf.
Forest Conversion for Palm Oil: Forestry Expert Warns of Environmental Impact

InfoSAWIT, SUARAKARTA - The conversion of forests into palm oil plantations continues to spark debate in Indonesia. As one of the countries with the largest tropical forests after Brazil, Indonesia faces a dilemma between economic and ecological interests. Forestry expert from Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta (UMS), Aziz Akbar Mukasyaf, argues that this policy contradicts Indonesia's environmental commitments.

"The addition of forest conversion undermines Indonesia's commitment to reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. Indonesia has committed through REDD and the Paris Agreement to mitigate negative environmental impacts," said Aziz, as reported InfoSAWIT, from the Central Java Muhammadiyah Regional Leadership (PWM Jateng) on Sunday (February 2, 2025).

He noted that, in addition to disrupting ecosystem balance, forest conversion threatens the survival of flora and fauna that lose their habitats. He cited how wildlife that loses its home tends to migrate into human environments. If they cannot find new habitats, they risk being hunted and even facing extinction.

Aziz also emphasized the vital role of forests in maintaining natural cycles, such as oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide cycles. "If forests disappear, we will lack oxygen production. So, what will we breathe?" he questioned.

He pointed out the significant reduction of forests outside Java, which are now increasingly converted into industrial plantations like eucalyptus for paper production. This change, he argued, not only triggers social and economic conflicts but also exacerbates global warming.

In response to President Prabowo Subianto's statement linking palm oil to food and energy security, Aziz took a critical stance. He argued that palm oil is more oriented towards commercial industries such as cooking oil, margarine, and cosmetics. "Where is the food security in that? I see no connection," he asserted.

While acknowledging palm oil's potential for biofuel in terms of energy security, Aziz stressed that there are many alternative energy sources that can be utilized without sacrificing forests.

Meanwhile, Reuters data indicates that Indonesia has ramped up its food security efforts, targeting domestic rice production of 3 million tons by 2025, a significant increase from 1.27 million tons in 2024. The government has also imported over 3.7 million tons of rice. "If this is sufficient for food security, why is there still a need to open more palm oil land?" Aziz questioned.

He also addressed the Food Estate policy that converts forests into agricultural land. "Isn't that enough? It would be better to reconsider," he said.

Regarding the argument that palm oil also produces oxygen, Aziz refuted it by asserting that biologically, palm oil is not a tree. "Palm oil does not have cambium or wood tissue. Taxonomically, it falls under the palm family and has fibrous roots," he explained.

The fibrous root structure of palm oil makes it less stable in certain soils, making it more prone to falling over. Additionally, the productive lifespan of palm oil is only about 20-30 years before its productivity drastically declines. Palm oil is also planted in monoculture, making it vulnerable to climate change and pest attacks. Aziz warned that the low genetic diversity of palm oil could pose a threat if a massive pest attack occurs.

"If one type of palm oil is affected by pests, the entire palm oil plantation in Indonesia could be impacted. This poses significant risks to our energy and economic security," he added.

As a solution, Aziz suggested that the government focus more on agricultural intensification rather than opening new land. He believes this approach could be achieved by increasing the productivity of existing land without damaging forest ecosystems.

"Maximizing existing agricultural land is far wiser than continuously opening forests for palm oil plantations," he concluded. (T2)

 

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