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| Environment: Deforestation |
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The most serious environmental problem in Indonesia is deforestation, which results from three major factors.
Logging
Legal and illegal logging has caused significant deforestation. Since the beginning of the New Order regime in 1965,
Indonesia has used its natural resources and its forests as a major boost for economic development. The Suharto government
maintained sole control over forests and promoted timber production by granting logging concessions. By the end of the 1970s,
Indonesia’s share of total global exports of tropical wood had risen from zero to 40%.
While legal logging poses a threat to Indonesia’s forest resources, illegal logging, organized by civilians and the military,
has also been prevalent. Illegal logging became a more serious problem after the economic crisis in 1997. The rise
in unemployment pushed Indonesians to use the natural forests as an alternative source of income.
The government is aware of the environmental consequences of deforestation. Yet, after decades of heavy subsidies
and concession licensing to the private sector, it retains minimal control over the management of forest resources.
Land Clearing
Deforestation in Indonesia also results from land clearing by the burning of large areas. Woods have been cleared and
converted into agricultural and timber plantation lands partly in order to secure resettlement area for the Transmigration
Plan.
For more information please see Transmigration information.
The government also plans to clear lands for coal mining as coal is deposited beneath the jungle of the Indonesian
hinterlands.
Forest Fires
Forest fires are the third major cause of deforestation in Indonesia. In 1991, a series of fires broke out in
Southern Kalimantan and Sumatra, ravaging more than 500 square kilometers. In 1997, fires burnt 7,500 square kilometers of
forests, resulting in 262 deaths, according to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
For more information please See united Nations Environment Programme: Forest Fires in Indonesia.
In 1998, fires also destroyed forest resources and biodiversity, and caused heavy air pollution. The major reason for
the fires in 1997 and 1998 was land clearing. However, the unusual prolongation of the dry season amid El Nino also provided
perfect conditions for the fires to spread uncontrolled. In addition, the poor emergency response capacity of the Indonesian
government extended the crisis, requiring the government to request international assistance.
For more information please see International Assistance.
The consequences of the fires have been immense. Apart from the destruction of forest resources, the fires destroyed and
disrupted the unique ecosystem. Moreover, the thick smog created by the fire caused severe air pollution in the region,
in Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore and Malaysia as well as throughout Indonesia. The carbon dioxide produced by burning
trees and plants also contributed to the greenhouse effect, potentially causing changes in local weather and rain patterns.
Lastly, the air pollution threatened people’s health, causing asthma and respiratory diseases.
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