Tue Jan 21 05:18:40 UTC 2025: ## Indonesia’s Controversial Plan to Convert Millions of Hectares of Forest Sparks Outrage
**Jakarta, January 21, 2025** – Indonesia’s ambitious plan to convert 20 million hectares of forest land for food and energy production has ignited fierce criticism from environmental activists. The plan, announced by Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni, aims to boost food and energy self-sufficiency, with 1.1 million hectares earmarked for rice production—enough to match Indonesia’s 2023 rice imports—and further land allocated for sugar palm biofuel production. President Prabowo Subianto’s administration, which took office in October, champions this initiative.
However, the Clean Transition Coalition, a group of environmental NGOs, argues the plan directly contradicts the government’s stated goals for food and energy security. They warn that the massive land conversion, nearly double the size of Java, significantly increases the risk of expanding oil palm plantations, a major driver of deforestation in Indonesia. Existing oil palm plantations already cover 17.77 million hectares, according to Satya Bumi, an environmental NGO.
Achmad Surambo, executive director of Sawit Watch, emphasized the increased risk of palm oil expansion. While Minister Antoni claims the plan will utilize existing concessions and agroforestry systems, not clearing virgin forests, environmentalists remain unconvinced. They argue that even converting existing agricultural land for export crops would be damaging. The coalition urges the government to focus on optimizing existing agricultural land, respecting indigenous rights, and implementing genuine agrarian reform instead.
The Indonesian forestry ministry and a presidential spokesperson have yet to respond to requests for comment. The plan’s potential for irreversible environmental and biodiversity loss remains a central concern for critics.
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