Why Can't Indonesia's Forests Reach Net Sink by 2030?
Indonesia's FOLU Net Sink 2030 target depends on the forestry and land-use sector becoming a net absorber of carbon by 2030. However, the article argues that this goal is increasingly difficult to achieve because deforestation and forest degradation continue to outpace conservation efforts. While the government has introduced measures such as forest moratoriums, peatland restoration, and social forestry programs, weaknesses in policy implementation, inconsistent legal protection for natural forests, and the continued approval of development projects in forested areas undermine these initiatives. As a result, emissions from land-use change remain significantly higher than expected, threatening Indonesia's climate commitments.
The article further emphasizes that achieving FOLU Net Sink 2030 requires stronger governance rather than relying solely on restoration programs. It recommends expanding legal protection to all remaining natural forests, strengthening transparency and public participation in forest monitoring, improving enforcement against illegal deforestation, and ensuring that major development projects undergo rigorous environmental assessments before approval. Without these structural reforms, Indonesia risks missing its 2030 climate target despite substantial investments and policy commitments, as continued forest loss would outweigh the carbon sequestration gains from restoration efforts.
