The Alarming Impact of Deforestation in Indonesia

Forests are often called the “lungs of the Earth” as they contribute vital oxygen to the atmosphere while absorbing carbon dioxide. This process helps decrease the effects of carbon dioxide, a significant contributor to global warming. Indonesia located in tropical area and blessed with large forested areas. In 2001, Indonesia had 93.8 million hectares of forest. However, nearly one-third of this forested area has been lost between 2001 and 2023. In 2023 alone, 292,000 hectares of forest were lost due to fires and other factors. Fig. 1.1 shows the areas in Indonesia that have lost more than 30% of their forests since 2001 [1].

Deforestation refers to the removal of forests in a given area. There are many reasons for deforestation, such as conversion to oil palm or timber plantations. As shown in Fig. 1.2, agricultural expansion remained the leading cause of deforestation in 2019 [2].

This deforestation significantly impacts the natural habitats of species like the orangutan. One of Indonesia’s islands, Kalimantan, is home to three distinct species of orangutans, each inhabiting separate areas (see Fig. 1.3). The Bornean orangutan is threatened animal which need to be conserved. Despite its wide roaming range, only an estimated 3,000–4,500 individuals of Pongo p. pygmaeus were thought to remain in 2008 [3].

Beyond habitat loss and climate change, deforestation contributes to soil erosion. Deforestation directs to loss of trees which the roots’ important role to anchor the soil. This erosion leads to decreased soil fertility, which can reduce crop yields and impact the economic well-being of local farmers. Furthermore, soil erosion increases the risk of flooding, which can cause severe economic damage to local communities [4].

In social aspect, deforestation threatens the livelihoods of indigenous people such as the Baduy tribe. The Baduy people, known for their cultural heritage and sustainable living practices, live in harmony with the forest ecosystem. Fig 1.4 shows the area of inner and outer Baduy people which located in Banten province. Inner Baduy communities reside in Cikeusik, Cikertawana, and Cibeo hamlets. They uphold a set of customs called pikukuh, which forms a valuable cultural heritage. Protecting such communities aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, especially the principle of “leaving no one behind.” [5]

In conclusion, minimizing deforestation is critical to reducing environmental impacts such as global warming, habitat loss, and extinction risks. Economically, it can help prevent declines in agricultural productivity and reduce flooding risks which have adverse effects on local communities. Socially, preserving forests is crucial to safeguarding the cultural and economic well-being of indigenous tribe.

References List

[1] [Global Forest Watch]. 2024. Indonesia. Global Forest Watch. Retrieved Oktober 29, 2024 from https://www.globalforestwatch.org/dashboards/country/IDN/

[2] Leitold V. March 13, 2023. Global warming and the shifting landscape of deforestation in Indonesia: Can economic opportunity and environmental sustainability coexist in the future? Public Policy Indonesia. Retrieved Oktober 29, 2024 from https://publicpolicyindonesia.wordpress.com/2023/03/13/global-warming-and-the-shifting-landscape-of-deforestation-in-indonesia-can-economic-opportunity-and-environmental-sustainability-coexist-in-the-future/

[3] Wich SA, et al. 2008. Distribution and conservation status of the orang-utan (Pongo spp.) on Borneo and Sumatra: how many remain? Oryx. 42(3):329–339.

[4] [DGB Group] March 13, 2023. Deforestation in Indonesia and its impact on the environment. DGB Group. Retrieved Oktober 29, 2024 from https://www.green.earth/blog/deforestation-in-indonesia-and-its-impact-on-the-environment#:~:text=The%20effects%20of%20deforestation%20in%20Indonesia&text=Deforestation%20leads%20to%20soil%20erosion,problem%20also%20affects%20its%20biodiversity.

[5] Kenedy BA and Deffinka I. 2022. Environmental Adaptation of Indigenous People: Baduy Tribe’s Local Wisdom in Environmental Management. 2 IOP Conf. Ser.: Earth Environ. Sci. 1066:012017

[6] Iskandar J and Iskandar BS. 2017. Various Plants of Traditional Rituals: Ethnobotanical Research Among The Baduy Community. Biosaintifika: Journal of Biology & Biology Education. 9(1):114–125

Last updated on October 29th, 2024