Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia’s Special Envoy for Climate Change and Energy, Hashim Djojohadikusumo, has refuted claims that the government is engaging in complete deforestation to implement its food estate program. The program aims to create large-scale agricultural zones, including in South Papua, to bolster national food security.
Speaking after the 2024 Kadin National Leadership Meeting, Hashim emphasized that much of the land utilized in the food estate initiative was not forested.
“The South Papua Food Estate started with 60% of the land being empty—no trees, no forest. Much of it consists of grasslands,” Hashim explained on Monday (December 2, 2024). “Deforestation claims are exaggerated.”
Hashim, who also serves as the Deputy Chair of Gerindra’s Board of Trustees, urged business leaders and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) to approach criticisms from domestic and international NGOs cautiously. He reiterated that not all land used for food estates comes from forested areas.
Reforestation Program to Counter Criticism
Hashim highlighted Indonesia’s commitment to addressing global concerns about deforestation by prioritizing massive reforestation projects. During a recent three-week tour across eight countries, he presented Indonesia’s plans to international business communities.
“We will launch a reforestation program covering 12.7 million hectares of land classified by our government as damaged or severely degraded forest,” he said. “This initiative is a direct response to international criticism that Indonesia is clearing forests for food estates.”
Balancing Food Security and Environmental Sustainability
The Indonesian government has faced mounting scrutiny from environmental groups, which allege that the food estate program is contributing to deforestation and biodiversity loss. However, officials argue that the initiative is vital to ensuring the nation’s long-term food security amid global supply chain disruptions and climate challenges.
Hashim’s remarks underline Indonesia’s strategy to balance agricultural expansion with environmental restoration. By targeting degraded lands for reforestation, the government seeks to demonstrate its commitment to sustainable development while countering deforestation narratives.
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Addressing Global Criticism
Indonesia, home to one of the world’s largest tropical rainforests, has long been under the global spotlight for its environmental policies. The government has repeatedly assured international stakeholders of its efforts to combat climate change through programs like reforestation and sustainable land management.
Hashim’s statements serve as a rebuttal to these concerns, offering reassurance that the food estate program is being implemented responsibly. The inclusion of reforestation plans also aligns with Indonesia’s broader climate goals and its pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
(Becky)
