PUBLICATIONS

This update report interprets the subnational (provincial) allocation of the Forest Reference Emission Level (FREL) for deforestation and forest degradation, which serves as a benchmark for Indonesia's REDD+ performance until the end of 2020. The FREL allocation was calculated using a "Stock-Flow Index," considering historical emission levels and remaining forest carbon stock, resulting in low FREL for provinces with high historical emissions and low carbon stock. This subnational FREL indicates the maximum level of deforestation and degradation a province is allowed to achieve in order to obtain REDD+ incentives from the national level.

The analysis suggests that the maximum national deforestation level based on the FREL allocation still exceeds the deforestation target of 450,000 hectares per year until 2020 mentioned in the NDC document. For Papua and West Papua Provinces, the allocated FREL sets emission limits until 2020 which, for Papua, is higher than the historical deforestation from 2001-2016, but for West Papua, it is lower than the historical deforestation during the same period. Therefore, it is essential for the government to clarify the FREL figures and their implications to regional governments, and for regional development plans to be adjusted to meet the NDC target.