Deforestation in Indonesia has escalated for the third consecutive year, with alarming losses reported by a local environmental non-governmental organization (NGO). Auriga Nusantara revealed that in 2024, the country lost a staggering 261,575 hectares of primary and secondary forests. This figure marks an increase of over 4,000 hectares compared to the previous year, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Indonesia continues to grapple with one of the highest rates of deforestation globally. The NGO's analysis, based on satellite imagery and fieldwork, confirmed that deforestation occurred in every province except for the area surrounding Jakarta, the nation's capital. The most significant losses were recorded in Kalimantan, where the new capital city is under construction.
The report highlights that key drivers of deforestation in Indonesia include timber plantations, palm oil cultivation, and the mining of critical minerals. The urgency of these issues is further exacerbated by recent developments in Raja Ampat, an area renowned for its rich coral reefs. Here, nearly 200 hectares across four islands have been deforested as nickel mining operations advance, with new mining licenses issued for additional islands.
Regional governments in the Raja Ampat area have proposed opening vast areas of forest—potentially hundreds of thousands of hectares—to development. This proposal raises concerns among environmental advocates who fear further degradation of vital ecosystems. As Timer Manurung from Auriga Nusantara articulated, “It is worrying, as it shows the increase of legal deforestation.”
Despite the grim findings, Indonesia aims to boost domestic biomass energy use and expand exports, primarily targeting markets in Japan and South Korea. This ambition may further complicate efforts to curb deforestation as demand for land increases.
The report from Auriga Nusantara paints a stark picture of the environmental challenges facing Indonesia. The analysis reveals that while some regions experience severe deforestation pressures, others remain relatively untouched. For instance, Kalimantan has faced the brunt of forest loss, which could have long-term consequences for biodiversity and local communities reliant on forest ecosystems.
As Indonesia grapples with balancing economic development and environmental preservation, NGOs like Auriga Nusantara are sounding alarms about the implications of unchecked deforestation. The stakes are high, not only for Indonesia's flora and fauna but also for global biodiversity.
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