Jakarta – Indonesia is experiencing a dramatic surge in deforestation, with forest loss increasing by 66% in 2025, according to a new report. The clearing of vast tracts of rainforest is largely attributed to President Prabowo Subianto’s ambitious push for national self-sufficiency in food and energy, raising concerns about the long-term environmental impact and the country’s commitments to climate goals. The scale of the loss – 78,000 hectares cleared last year alone, an area comparable to New York City – underscores the challenges facing Indonesia as it balances economic development with environmental preservation.
The report, compiled by Auriga, a research group focused on environmental issues, details how government policies aimed at boosting domestic agricultural and energy production are driving the destruction. Prabowo’s food security program, launched with the intention of reducing reliance on imports, is a key factor. As detailed in a Channel NewsAsia report, the program seeks to revitalize Indonesia’s agricultural sector, but its implementation is raising alarm bells among environmentalists.
Forests Sacrificed for Food Security
In 2025, the Indonesian government allocated a staggering 20.6 million hectares of forest land for programs related to food, energy, and water security. A significant 43% of this area comprised natural forest, previously untouched and vital for biodiversity and carbon sequestration. Auriga’s calculations reveal that over 78,000 hectares of designated “food reserve forest” were cleared in the past year. This land is being converted primarily into rice paddies, despite warnings from experts that much of it is unsuitable for sustainable rice cultivation.
“They are gambling, they are speculating… it’s peat land and not suitable for rice,” said environmental activist Manurung, as reported by Reuters. Peatlands, which store vast amounts of carbon, are particularly vulnerable to degradation when drained for agriculture, releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and exacerbating climate change. Indonesia declared self-sufficiency in rice production last year, but this claim is being questioned in light of the environmental costs and the suitability of the land being used.
Bioenergy and Resource Extraction Fuel Further Loss
Beyond rice production, Prabowo’s focus on bioenergy is as well contributing to the deforestation crisis. Large areas of forest are being converted into industrial plantations to produce biomass, a renewable energy source. An additional 37,910 hectares were cleared within existing oil palm concessions, further expanding the footprint of this controversial industry. The demand for resources to support Indonesia’s growing economy is also playing a role, with 41,162 hectares of forest converted into concessions for coal, gold, and nickel mining.
The current administration’s approach echoes policies implemented under former President Joko Widodo, characterized by the prioritization of “national strategic projects” and the use of the controversial Omnibus Law on Job Creation. Critics argue that this legislation weakens environmental protections, streamlining the approval process for projects with potentially damaging ecological consequences. The Omnibus Law, passed in 2020, has been criticized by environmental groups for reducing environmental impact assessments and granting greater authority to businesses.
The Role of the Omnibus Law
The Job Creation Law, officially Law No. 11 of 2020, significantly altered Indonesia’s regulatory landscape. It aimed to attract foreign investment and boost economic growth by simplifying business licensing and reducing bureaucratic hurdles. But, environmental organizations, such as WALHI (Indonesian Forum for Environment), have argued that the law weakens environmental safeguards and increases the risk of environmental damage. WALHI has documented numerous cases where the law has been used to bypass environmental regulations and facilitate destructive projects.
Requests for comment from Indonesia’s Forestry Ministry and a spokesperson for President Prabowo Subianto went unanswered as of today, according to Reuters. This lack of immediate response has fueled concerns about transparency and accountability regarding the government’s deforestation policies.
Impact on Biodiversity and Climate Change
Indonesia is home to the world’s third-largest rainforest, a critical biodiversity hotspot and a vital carbon sink. The ongoing deforestation poses a significant threat to the country’s rich biodiversity, endangering iconic species like orangutans, tigers, and rhinos. The loss of forest cover also contributes to climate change, releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere and reducing the planet’s capacity to absorb greenhouse gases.
The situation is particularly concerning given Indonesia’s commitments under the Paris Agreement to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. While the country has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060, the current rate of deforestation undermines these efforts. Experts warn that continued forest loss could jeopardize Indonesia’s ability to meet its climate targets and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.
The next key development to watch will be the release of official government data on deforestation rates for the first quarter of 2026, expected in July. This data will provide a clearer picture of whether the current trend is continuing and whether any policy changes are being implemented to address the crisis.
This situation demands continued scrutiny and open dialogue. Share your thoughts and perspectives on Indonesia’s deforestation crisis in the comments below.
