Historic Achievement : Indonesia’s Deforestation Rate Reaches Lowest in History
Deforestation is a condition that shows a change in land cover from forested to non-forested areas. Deforestation and changes in forest cover occur from time to time, due to forest conversion for non-forestry sector development, agricultural expansion, logging, encroachment, and forest fires. Land and forest cover conditions are basically dynamic, in line with the need for land for development and other activities1.
Deforestation causes loss of biodiversity by habitat destruction, driving many species towards extinction. This loss of biodiversity can also weaken the long-term availability of natural resources for future generations. Beside that, deforestation releases carbon stores, thereby contributing significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. It also can lead to decreased water quality and increased soil erosion. In the social field, deforestation often causes displacement, loss of traditional knowledge, and conflicts over land rights for indigenous communities.
The current rate of deforestation continues to be a significant global concern. The world is still losing around 10 million hectares of forest every year, despite a slowing of the rate of deforestation in the last decade2.
In 2021-2022, Indonesia recorded the lowest deforestation rate in history under the leadership of President Jokowi (2014 – 2024), surpassing other countries3. Indonesia’s deforestation in 2020-2021 was 113.5 thousand ha, and the lowest point in 2021-2022 was 104 thousand ha. This means that Indonesia’s deforestation in 2021-2022 decreased by 8.4% from 2020-20211.
To achieve this, the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry has been monitoring forests and deforestation since 1990, which continues to be carried out every year1. This monitoring is carried out to determine the existence and extent of land cover, both forested and non-forested.
This is in line with the Indonesia FOLU netsink 2030 program. Indonesia’s approach to managing natural resources and implementing climate action is systematic and integrated, including 15 climate actions listed in the 2030 FOLU Net Sink Operational Plan3. These climate actions include reducing the rate of deforestation on mineral lands, peatlands and mangroves, as well as sustainable forest management and social forestry.
As we look to the future, the urgency of protecting forests from deforestation cannot be avoided. Forests are indispensable for biodiversity, climate stability, and human well-being from their resources. Indonesia itself realizes how important this is and is committed to continuing to reduce the rate of deforestation.
Addressing the deforestation issue requires a multifaceted approach. Governments, civil society, and local communities must collaborate to implement effective policies, enforce laws, and promote sustainable land-use practices. Public awareness and consumer choices also play a crucial role in driving demand for sustainably sourced products. The concerted efforts such as International Support, National Policies, Community-based Conservation may also help deforestation.
Indonesia’s achievement in reducing the rate of deforestation shows that with the right policies and international cooperation, reducing the rate of deforestation can be realized. It is hoped that this positive step will encourage Indonesia to continuously reduce the rate of deforestation, and encourage other countries to jointly contribute to reducing the rate of deforestation, for the sake of preserving global forests.
1Press Release Ministry of Environment and Forestry
Number: SP.013/HUMAS/PPIP/HMS.3/1/2024
2FAO’s Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020. https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/un-report-worlds-forests-continue-shrink-urgent-action-needed
3Press Release Ministry of Environment and Forestry
Number: SP. 135/HUMAS/PPIP/HMS.3/6/2024