Millions of acres of forest could escape further clearing after Indonesia changed course on a major agricultural expansion plan.
Indonesia / Geio Tischler / Unsplash / Illustrative purposes only
The decision could give threatened wildlife and forest communities some breathing room, but much depends on what happens next.
A shift away from forest clearing
Indonesia announced the change after achieving rice self-sufficiency ahead of schedule. Officials say this reduces the need to clear more forest for rice cultivation.
At the Indonesian Sustainability Forum in Jakarta, government representatives pointed to degraded land as an alternative for future food and biofuel production. Indonesia has identified more than 12 million hectares of such land for potential agricultural use.
The announcement marks a change in direction for the Food and Energy Estates programme. The initiative aims to boost domestic food supplies and biofuel production through large-scale plantations.
What is at stake?
Environmental groups have warned that plantation expansion threatens forests, wildlife and Indigenous communities, particularly in South Papua and Kalimantan.
These forests are home to orangutans, tree kangaroos and birds of paradise. Their peatlands and wetlands also store carbon and support ecosystems that can take years to recover after destruction. According to environmental organisation Mighty Earth, plantation development had already converted around 90,000 acres since 2024.
A promise that still needs action
Conservation advocates have welcomed the announcement, but questions remain about existing projects and whether authorities will stop further clearing.
Using degraded land instead of intact forest could help protect these ecosystems. However, a change in policy does not automatically guarantee their safety.
For now, the announcement offers a reason for cautious optimism. Indonesia still needs to turn its plans into action. The outcome will matter not only for its forests and wildlife, but also for the communities whose lives depend on them.
Source (Good News Network)
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