PUBLICATIONS

The expiration of the palm oil moratorium (Presidential Instruction No. 8/2018) has increased risks to natural forests and peat ecosystems. Around 1.73 million hectares of unprotected natural forest within Convertible Production Forest (HPK) are vulnerable to deforestation, including areas within the land bank of palm oil plantation permits in forest zones.

The settlement of palm oil businesses in forest areas under the Job Creation Law (UUCK) poses further threats to forests and peatlands. The unclear definition of “already established plantations” could include land banks still covered by natural forests (1.16 million hectares) and peat ecosystems (1 million hectares), particularly within Production Forest areas.

The potential loss of natural forests could consume up to 78% of Indonesia’s deforestation quota under the Updated NDC 2020-2030 and hinder the FOLU Net Sink 2030 agenda. The government needs to strengthen deforestation prevention by halting new permits in forested and peat areas, safeguarding productive HPK, and limiting legalization only to areas already planted with palm oil.