logo
Indonesia food plan risks 'world's largest' deforestation

Indonesia food plan risks 'world's largest' deforestation

News2423-04-2025

Indonesia's plans to plant vast tracts rice to ensure food security and sugar cane for biofuel could be the wprld's largest deforestation project, warn environmentalists.
Deforestation is already underway, by late last year, an area larger than Paris had been cleared.
Indonesia's government says the land targeted is degraded, already cultivated or in need of "optimisation".
For climate change news and analysis, go to News24 Climate Future.
An Indonesian soldier gives a thumbs up as he crosses a rice field on a combine harvester in remote Papua, where a government food security mega-project has raised fears of mass deforestation.
Keen to end its reliance on rice imports, Indonesia wants to plant vast tracts of the crop, along with sugar cane for biofuel, in the restive eastern region.
But environmentalists warn it could become the world's largest deforestation project, threatening endangered species and Jakarta's climate commitments.
And activists fear the scheme will fuel rights violations in a region long plagued by alleged military abuses as a separatist insurgency rumbles on.
The project's true scale is hard to ascertain; even government statements vary.
At a minimum, however, it aims to plant several million hectares of rice and sugar cane across South Papua province's Merauke. One million hectares is around the size of Lebanon.
Deforestation linked to the plan is already under way.
By late last year, more than 11 000 hectares had been cleared - an area larger than Paris - according to Franky Samperante of environmental and Indigenous rights NGO Yayasan Pusaka Bentala Rakyat.
That figure has only increased, according to analysis by campaign group Mighty Earth and conservation start-up The TreeMap.
Their work shows areas cleared include primary and secondary natural dryland and swamp forest, as well as secondary mangrove forest, savanna and bush.
READ | Tentative tree planting 'decades overdue' in sweltering Athens
"Usually, deforestation is a product of government not doing its job," said Mighty Earth chief executive Glenn Hurowitz.
"But in this case, it's actually the state saying we want to clear some of our last remaining forests, carbon-rich peatlands, habitat for rare animals," he told AFP.
Indonesia's government says the land targeted is degraded, already cultivated or in need of "optimisation", dismissing some areas as little more than swamps.
Tragedy
Environmentalists argue that misunderstands the local ecosystem.
"In South Papua, the landscape and the ecosystem is lowland forest," said Samperante.
"There are often misconceptions or even belittling" of these ecosystems, he added.
Mapping done by Mighty Earth shows the project threatens a broader ecosystem range - including peatlands and forests the group says should be protected by a government moratorium on clearing.
"The tragedy in this project," said Hurowitz, "is that Indonesia has made so much progress in breaking the link between agricultural expansion and deforestation."
"Unfortunately, this single project threatens to undermine all progress."
Indonesia has some of the world's highest deforestation rates and Papua retains some of the largest remaining untouched tracts.
Indonesian think-tank CELIOS says cutting down so much forest could derail Jakarta's plan to reach net-zero by 2050.
READ | Global warming is a security threat and armies must adapt - experts
For President Prabowo Subianto's government, criticism of the project ignores Indonesia's agricultural and economic realities.
He has made the scheme a priority, visiting soon after taking office.
In January, he said the country was on track to end rice imports by late 2025, and reiterated its energy independence needs.
The agriculture ministry did not respond to AFP's request for comment.
In Papua, planting is in full swing. In the region's Kaliki district, AFP saw farmers supported by soldiers tending rice paddies in recently-cleared land.
"This location used to be like the one on the right here. Non-productive and neglected land," said Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, a soldier serving as the agriculture ministry's food resilience taskforce chief, at an event lauding the project.
That characterisation is disputed by Mighty Earth's satellite analysis, which found that at least two areas in the region cleared for rice overlap with government-designated peatland.
Indonesia's military is heavily involved in the project.
Local farmer Yohanis Yandi Gebze told AFP soldiers gave him "tools, agricultural equipment and machinery" for rice cultivation.
Speaking not far from Ramdhani's event, he praised the military.
"I see them cooperating with the people very well," he said.
Cannot refuse
Others say that is only part of the story.
Indonesia officially seized Papua, a former Dutch colony, in a widely criticised but UN-backed vote in 1969.
It has since been accused of abuses in a decades-long separatist conflict in the region.
"The community feels intimidated," said Dewanto Talubun, executive director at Merauke-based environmental and rights group Perkumpulan Harmoni Alam Papuana.
"Not all members of the community agree with this project, and they cannot directly refuse," he told AFP.
Samperante too reported local fears.
"Almost every day a human rights violation occurs," he said.
The defence ministry told AFP the military had the resources and "high discipline" to accelerate the food project while securing "stability and security" in the region.
However, there are significant doubts about the project's viability.
"Soils in Merauke are likely too acidic and the climate too extreme... to grow rice," said David Gaveau, founder of The TreeMap.
He warned that draining Merauke's wetlands for agriculture risks turning the area "into a tinder box" - a fate seen elsewhere in Indonesia.
Critics do not dispute Jakarta's food security needs, but said crops should be grown elsewhere on abandoned agricultural land.
"It should be done in places that are capable of absorbing it," said Hurowitz.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Some P.E.I. lobster fishers want 'moderate livelihood' defined, after DFO seizes more traps
Some P.E.I. lobster fishers want 'moderate livelihood' defined, after DFO seizes more traps

Yahoo

time11 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Some P.E.I. lobster fishers want 'moderate livelihood' defined, after DFO seizes more traps

Lennox Island First Nation says more lobster traps belonging to its moderate-livelihood fishery were removed from the waters along P.E.I.'s North Shore over the weekend. Chief Darlene Bernard said one fisherman had 58 traps seized by federal Fisheries and Oceans Canada enforcement officers on Sunday. The move comes after DFO removed what it said were 100 unauthorized traps from Malpeque Bay back in late May. Bernard is once again calling the removal illegal, though some non-Indigenous fishers in the area told CBC News they were pleased that DFO is taking action. Timothy Wall, a third-generation fisherman in the area, said there's too much pressure on Malpeque Bay's lobster stocks. "It's nice to see DFO… taking a stance in the name of conservation," Wall told CBC News. "There's been a lot of extra pressure on the resource, and you can only split the pie so many ways sometimes before your slices start to get smaller and smaller and smaller." The Mi'kmaq have a right to fish for a "moderate livelihood" outside of the commercial fishery that's rigorously regulated by the federal government, a right that was reaffirmed by the Supreme Court of Canada's Marshall decision in 1999. Bernard said the traps seized Sunday belong to Lennox Island's self-governed, treaty-protected fishery that began in 2022. The First Nation set 1,500 moderate-livelihood lobster traps this year — 100 traps each for 15 fishermen from the community — but DFO has said it approved only up to 1,000. Calling DFO's latest seizure "extremely disappointing" and "despicable," Bernard said 58 traps have been placed back in the water. "If there's an issue with these traps, then give me the reason other than 'we didn't authorize them,'" she told CBC News on Tuesday. "Well, guess what? [DFO doesn't] have the ability or the authority to authorize anything when it comes to the treaty-protected fishery. It's a self-regulated fishery that is protected by the Constitution." As well as that fishery, the Lennox Island First Nation also operates a communal commercial fishery. Down the road, the community to hopes to expand that fishery by using a new program, the Community Based Access Acquisition Fund, to buy existing commercial licences from people from outside the First Nation who are getting out of the business. If that approach works, Bernard said Lennox Island will not have to expand its moderate-livelihood fishery. Fishers like Wall say part of the problem is that DFO hasn't defined what a "moderate livelihood" means. He said non-Indigenous fishers should have some kind of say in the future of the treaty-protected fishery, given that their own livelihood is at stake. "It's impossible to have real, true reconciliation 'til we can all move forward, and this is one of the biggest things that's stopping everybody from moving forward," Wall said. "Everybody would be better off and happier if we could just figure out what moderate livelihood means. It is time to define it." WATCH | Lennox Island First Nation says it will replace hundreds of lobster traps removed by DFO officials: DFO said it has no plans to do that in the near future. Connor Robinson, the department's acting director-general of Indigenous affairs, said DFO is "committed to reconciliation and working with partners to implement their rights in the fishery in a sustainable way that's mindful of conservation and pressure on fish stocks" About defining the moderate-livelihood fishery, he added: "While I understand the desire from many to define it and put parameters around it, what the court basically said is what's required to implement moderate livelihood will vary over time as fish stocks and communities change and grow and evolve." We are going to continue to fish 1,500 traps in this community. — Chief Darlene Bernard, Lennox Island First Nation In the meantime, Lennox Island is considering legal action over the traps seized Sunday. Bernard said the 15 moderate-livelihood fishers from her community are only taking what they need — and it's far less than what the commercial fishery is hauling in. "We are going to continue to protect that right, and we are going to continue to fish 1,500 traps in this community," she said. "We've done our due diligence on it, we've done our engagements with the community, we've looked to see if there was any issues with regards to the stocks…. Right now, we are less than one per cent of the total allowable catch."

Electricity sector urges federal government to adopt national plan to meet rising power demand
Electricity sector urges federal government to adopt national plan to meet rising power demand

Yahoo

time13 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Electricity sector urges federal government to adopt national plan to meet rising power demand

Electricity Alliance of Canada, an electricity industry coalition, outlines five priorities to secure clean, reliable energy and support Canada's economic future OTTAWA, ON, June 10, 2025 /CNW/ - Canada's electricity sector is calling on the newly elected federal government to develop a bold and immediate plan when it comes to electricity in Canada. This is urgently needed to meet growing demand, secure the country's economic future and become an energy superpower. Last week, the federal government introduced the One Canadian Economy Act, which highlighted the need for building projects in the national interest. There is no greater national interest project than building Canada's electricity grid. The electricity sector finds itself at a pivotal juncture. With climate change accelerating, global energy dynamics shifting, electricity demand increasing and potential U.S. tariffs looming, Canada cannot afford to lose its strategic energy advantage. Canadians expect affordable, reliable and secure power—and the electricity industry is committed to delivering it. Canada's economy was built on dependable power. Today, more than 60 per cent of electricity is generated from hydroelectric sources, with nuclear, wind, solar, and energy storage playing growing and essential roles. Yet current electricity production—around 630 terawatt-hours annually—will not meet future needs. As industries electrify, manufacturing returns, and the economy becomes more digital, pressure on electricity systems will grow significantly. To meet this growing demand, substantial investments in electricity generation, transmission and distribution are essential—not only to keep the lights on, but to create jobs and secure long-term prosperity. The electricity sector is urging the new federal government to act on five urgent priorities: Streamline project approvals and clarify investment incentivesThe One Canadian Economy Act promises to accelerate project approvals. This is desperately needed. Slow and uncertain approval processes hinder investment and delay critical projects. The industry needs an efficient, 'one project, one review' process for major electricity projects and a finalized version of the Clean Economy Investment Tax Credits. On carbon pricing, a flexible approach should support environmental outcomes while ensuring regional fairness and global competitiveness. Partner meaningfully with Indigenous communitiesThe proposed act also promotes the need for Indigenous voices to be heard. Indigenous partnership in clean energy projects is vital to Canada's future, and Indigenous voices must be heard when it comes to energy decisions. The federal government should also expand tools like the Canada Infrastructure Bank and the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program to ensure Indigenous partners can participate fully and on their own terms, supporting reconciliation. Build interprovincial energy corridorsCanada must turn long-standing conversations about interprovincial grid connections into action. The federal government, provinces, Crown corporations and utilities must collaborate to support energy trade, infrastructure development and labour mobility in regulated occupations. Secure electricity supply chainsGlobal supply chains are facing disruption from tariffs, regulation and trade tensions. The federal government must help manage these risks and ensure the resilience of supply chains critical to electricity infrastructure. Invest in workforce developmentThe future grid requires a skilled, well-trained workforce. Continued federal investment in long-term training programs will help produce the tradespeople and engineers needed to support reliable, clean and resilient electricity systems. Affordable, reliable and clean electricity is a strategic Canadian advantage. The sector has already increased supply while reducing emissions, and is prepared to do even more. The One Canadian Economy Act indicates it's time to focus on "nation-building" projects. Building up the electricity sector—generation, transmission and distribution—not only represents a project in the national interest; it enables all other national interest projects. The electricity sector is ready to get to work on a strong, resilient system to meet growing demand and protect Canada's economic future. Canada needs a bold electricity plan—now. This statement was jointly issued by: Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association Francis Bradley, President and CEO, Electricity Canada Michelle Branigan, CEO, Electricity Human Resources Canada George Christidis, President and CEO, Canadian Nuclear Association Elisa Obermann, Executive Director, Marine Renewables Canada Lorena Patterson, President and CEO, WaterPower Canada About Electricity Alliance CanadaElectricity Alliance Canada is a coalition of six industry associations promoting the power of electrification to lead the way to a sustainable energy future. Our mandate is to enable, promote and advocate for the increased use of electricity throughout the Canadian economy to help achieve Canada's net-zero emissions target. SOURCE Electricity Canada View original content: Sign in to access your portfolio

University of Arizona faculty say administrator causing severe harm to Native students
University of Arizona faculty say administrator causing severe harm to Native students

Yahoo

time14 hours ago

  • Yahoo

University of Arizona faculty say administrator causing severe harm to Native students

Photo by University of Arizona After several Native students at the University of Arizona expressed their concerns about student safety regarding an assistant vice provost, multiple Native faculty members are calling for immediate action from university leadership to ensure that Indigenous students receive the support they need for success. The Native American Faculty Group wrote in a letter to UofA President Dr. Suresh Garimella and other top administrators that 'Tessa L. Dysart is actively causing and has caused severe harm to the UA Native American community' since she was appointed assistant vice provost for the Office of Native American Initiatives (NAI) in 2024. Six Native faculty members wrote that students have approached them since the fall of 2024 to voice their concerns about their safety on campus. 'In our culture, we allow our children to speak, and we listen,' the group wrote. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The faculty members who signed and sent the letter include Karletta Chief (Diné), Andrew Curley (Diné), Stephanie Russo Carroll (Ahtna-Native Village of Kluti-Kaah), Jameson D. Lopez (Quechan), Sheilah E. Nicholas (Hopi) and Valerie Shirley (Diné). As professors, they said that they have witnessed 'disturbing events' that do not align with leading protocols to support Indigenous students in higher education. The letter outlines the concerns raised by students since Dysart took office, including her lack of support for student-led academic work on the Land Back movement, community panels and discussions, and her physical attempt to silence a student during the Tribal Leaders Summit. Nearly 100 people — some faculty, some students, some alumni — have signed onto the letter to back the faculty calling on the university to remove Dysart as assistant vice provost. 'We find Dysart's actions to be unprofessional, misaligned with the interests of students, and, at times, clear attempts at intimidation — behavior that is unbecoming of a senior administrator who claims to advocate for Native American students,' the letter states. Several Native students and staff have shared with the faculty group how Dysart is 'sowing harm, district and division within the UA Native community.' Dysart lacks the qualifications to be the assistant vice provost, according to the faculty group, because she has never worked with Native American student admissions, retention or service programs in higher education, nor has she published any work related to Native American student retention or advancement. During Dysart's interview process, the faculty group alleged that she claimed to have longstanding relationships with Native law students, but they had consistently heard otherwise from the Native law community. 'Dysart's portrayal of her experience is misleading,' they wrote, adding that she has worked at UofA since 2017 but only became involved with the Native Faculty Group within the past three years. Dysart has no prior connection with the Native American communities at UA, in Tucson, Arizona or the Southwest, according to the faculty group. The faculty group also expressed concerns about leaders in the Native American Advancement and Tribal Engagement (NAATE) office, including Levi Esquerra and Kari McCormick. Due to the ongoing concerns involving NAI and NAATE leadership, the faculty group said they cannot in 'good faith' recommend UofA to Indigenous students. The group wrote that they would rather refer Indigenous students to Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University due to the well-qualified administrators running their Native American initiatives. Dysart lacks the stellar reputation and qualifications of the Native Higher Administrators at ASU or NAU, according to the faculty group, and she does not possess the qualifications of many researchers in Native American education. 'Dysart earns $167,116 per year, yet there is no accountability, review, or annual reports showing her performance serving Native American faculty and staff,' the letter states. 'We have no confidence in Tessa Dysart.' The Arizona Mirror reached out to UofA and Dysart for comment, but did not receive a response. As part of the letter, the faculty group shared their disappointment in the consolidation of the Native American Student Affairs cultural center and the termination of its director, Julian Juan. Under Juan's leadership, the faculty group said that the Indigenous community at the University of Arizona has had only positive experiences. 'As a tight-knit community, we have consistently witnessed Juan's advocacy in fostering a safe and supportive space at NASA even as Dysart, Esquerra and McCormick contribute to a climate of hostility,' the letter said, noting that Juan is one of only three Tohono O'odham directors in the history of Native American Student Affairs, which is commonly referred to as NASA. 'In contrast to Dysart, Juan has deep connections and experience with tribal leaders and the local community,' the faculty wrote. 'Juan understands the importance of creating culturally appropriate programs and activities that create a sense of belonging for Native American students struggling to find their place and belonging within the Wildcat community.' UofA fired Juan on May 27. The university wrote in his termination letter that he failed to fulfill his duties as director. The faculty group expressed appreciation that NASA will continue to exist, but they 'adamantly oppose' moving it under Dysart's supervision at NAI, citing students' consistent concerns about their safety around her and her limited experience in student affairs. The faculty group is calling on Patricia Prelock, the new provost and senior vice president of academic affairs at UofA, to return NASA under the office of the provost, remove Dysart, reinstate Juan, reopen the NAI assistant vice provost position, create a Native American Faculty Council and maintain the Native American Community Council. 'As members of sovereign tribal nations that have nation-to-nation relationships with the United States federal government, we ask you to respect our sovereignty and fulfill our requests,' they said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store