[Jakarta, 19 May 2019] Yayasan Madani Berkelanjutan welcomes the government’s plan to make the protection of Indonesia’s remaining natural forests and peatlands permanent, following the expiration of the Presidential Instruction on the Suspension and Improvement of Licensing Governance for Primary Natural Forests and Peatlands (the Forest Moratorium) on 17 July 2019.
“Extending the protection of natural forests and peatlands on a permanent basis greatly increases Indonesia’s chances of achieving its climate commitments,” said Muhammad Teguh Surya, Executive Director of Yayasan Madani Berkelanjutan.
“However, an extension alone is not enough. If Indonesia is serious about meeting its climate targets, the government must strengthen forest and peat protection by also safeguarding millions of hectares of secondary forests that are currently under threat of clearance.”
Secondary Forests Must Be Included
A 2017 study by the World Resources Institute found that the forest moratorium is one of the forestry mitigation policies with the highest potential for emission reductions. Strengthening the policy by including secondary forests could cut emissions by 437 MtCO₂ by 2030, helping Indonesia meet its climate targets.
Government data published in The State of Indonesia’s Forests and Forestry 2018 shows that 43.3 million hectares, or 48.4% of Indonesia’s natural forests, are classified as secondary forests and remain outside the scope of the moratorium. More than half of this area—24.8 million hectares—is designated for exploitation under production forest status.
“The most urgent priority is to protect the natural forests that remain in good condition and are most at risk,” said Anggalia Putri, Knowledge Management Manager at Yayasan Madani Berkelanjutan.
“There are 3.8 million hectares of secondary forests classified as Convertible Production Forests (HPK), which can legally be released and cleared for non-forestry concessions such as plantations. Permanent protection of forests and peatlands after the moratorium expires must also cover these areas.”
Stronger Legal Foundations Needed
“We hope this administration will truly institutionalize permanent forest protection by anchoring it in stronger legal frameworks and integrating it into national spatial planning,” Teguh added.
“This would provide greater political and legal certainty for achieving Indonesia’s climate commitments, while also helping to minimize social conflict.”
For the past eight years, forest and peatland protection has remained temporary under the moratorium mechanism. Yayasan Madani also raises concerns over numerous exemptions, including licenses granted in principle prior to May 2011, as well as projects related to geothermal energy, oil and gas, electricity, and food crop production (rice, sugarcane, corn, sago, and soybeans) for national food sovereignty.
“There are 31.2 million hectares of non-forested land within forest zones. The government should maximize the use of these degraded or previously cleared lands—including former concession areas—to secure food production, rather than placing further pressure on remaining forests,” Anggalia emphasized.
Energy Sector Emissions Also Pose Risks
Beyond emissions from forests and land use, the government must also remain vigilant regarding rising emissions from the energy sector, which could become a “wild card” threatening Indonesia’s ability to meet its overall climate commitments.
“If Indonesia remains consistent in pursuing strong initiatives in both the forestry and energy sectors, the country will be able to stand tall at the COP25 climate negotiations in Chile this December,” Teguh concluded.
Media Contacts
Muhammad Teguh Surya
Executive Director, Yayasan Madani Berkelanjutan
+62 819-1519-1979 | teguh@madaniberkelanjutan.idAnggalia Putri
Knowledge Management Manager, Yayasan Madani Berkelanjutan
+62 856-211-8997 | anggi@madaniberkelanjutan.idLuluk Uliyah
Senior Strategic Communication Officer, Yayasan Madani Berkelanjutan
+62 815-1986-8887 | luluk@madaniberkelanjutan.id
