PUBLICATIONS

The Food Estate development plan in Papua, Central Kalimantan, North Sumatra, and South Sumatra covers more than 1.57 million hectares of natural forests and 1.42 million hectares of peat ecosystems within its Area of Interest (AOI). This poses significant risks of deforestation, peatland drainage, and forest and land fires that could worsen the climate crisis.

The estimated value of potential timber from natural forests within the Food Estate AOI exceeds IDR 209 trillion. This substantial economic value raises concerns that the project could be used as a pretext for large-scale timber extraction.

As part of the National Strategic Projects (PSN) and National Economic Recovery (PEN) programs, Food Estate projects receive regulatory privileges, including exemptions from the moratorium on new permits in primary natural forests and peatlands. The AOI also overlaps with Indigenous territories, TORA land reform areas, and social forestry allocations, potentially triggering conflicts and marginalizing Indigenous peoples and local communities.