Marak Deforestasi, Kalimantan Masih Layak Sebagai Paru-Paru Dunia?

Summary

The script discusses the alarming deforestation in Kalimantan, Indonesia, highlighting its role in severe flooding and environmental degradation. Over 18.7 million hectares of rainforests have been cleared in the past 40 years, largely due to palm oil plantations, illegal logging, and industrial development. Despite efforts to curb deforestation, including stricter regulations, the problem persists. The impacts are not only local but also global, contributing to climate change and economic losses. The ongoing development of the IKN Nusantara project further threatens Kalimantan's forests, underlining the need for continued action and global cooperation to combat deforestation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Kalimantan has experienced severe flooding, especially in 2021, which is among the worst, but flooding is a recurring issue in the region due to deforestation.
• 😀 Kalimantan, once known for its vast rainforests, has seen drastic deforestation, with 18.7 million hectares of old-growth forests destroyed in the last 40 years.
• 😀 Deforestation in Kalimantan is closely linked to human activities, including the palm oil industry, which has expanded rapidly and contributed to forest loss.
• 😀 From 2000 to 2017, palm oil plantations in Kalimantan grew by 170%, with 88% of the area converted to palm oil production.
• 😀 While the palm oil industry claims it reduces poverty, many local communities, especially in West Kalimantan, have not seen significant improvements in living standards.
• 😀 Palm oil plantations have led to water pollution, and although the industry is required to replace damaged forests, the replacement efforts have been insufficient.
• 😀 Despite efforts to restore forests, Kalimantan still lost 9.7 million hectares of forest, which is roughly twice the size of Central Java.
• 😀 Illegal logging is a major cause of deforestation, with around 40 million cubic meters of timber being illegally harvested each year, costing the country up to US$600 million annually.
• 😀 Weak enforcement of regulations, manipulation of administrative documents, and corporate violations contribute to the prevalence of illegal logging.
• 😀 Deforestation, along with illegal logging, mining, and land conversion, is a significant environmental issue that could have dire economic consequences for Indonesia, similar to the 2008 financial crisis.
• 😀 Global environmental experts urge financial institutions to stop supporting deforestation-driven commodities, as this exacerbates emissions and hinders climate change mitigation efforts, impacting global industries like agriculture and food production.

Q & A

What was significant about the 2021 flood in Kalimantan?

The 2021 flood in Kalimantan was one of the worst floods in the region's history, but it wasn't the only major flood. Kalimantan faces annual floods, which are partly attributed to deforestation.

Why was Kalimantan historically called the 'lungs of the world'?

Kalimantan was historically called the 'lungs of the world' because it contained 76% of the world's rainforests, playing a vital role in regulating the Earth's climate and air quality.

What has been the impact of deforestation in Kalimantan over the last 40 years?

Over the past 40 years, Kalimantan has lost 18.7 million hectares of rainforests, an area more than one and a half times the size of Java Island.

What is the relationship between palm oil plantations and deforestation in Kalimantan?

The expansion of palm oil plantations has been a major driver of deforestation in Kalimantan. Between 2000 and 2017, palm oil plantations increased by 170%, with 88% of the new plantations being palm oil-related.

Has the palm oil industry improved the welfare of local communities in Kalimantan?

While the palm oil industry claims to have reduced poverty in rural areas, it has not led to significant improvements in the welfare of local communities. In some cases, villagers have lost their land to palm oil plantations.

How does illegal logging contribute to deforestation in Kalimantan?

Illegal logging is a major cause of deforestation in Kalimantan, with approximately 40 million cubic meters of wood being cut down annually. This illegal activity results in a loss of revenue for the country and weakens the timber export industry.

How does deforestation affect Indonesia's economy?

Deforestation in Indonesia, particularly in Kalimantan, could lead to a financial crisis similar to the one in 2008, as it worsens climate change and hampers economic development.

What role does deforestation play in global emissions?

Deforestation contributes significantly to global emissions, as forests play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Increased deforestation leads to higher emissions, which worsens climate change.

What efforts have been made to reduce deforestation in Kalimantan?

Efforts to reduce deforestation in Kalimantan include regulations such as the Presidential Instruction to stop issuing new permits for land use and improving forest management. While deforestation rates have decreased, challenges remain.

How does the construction of the new capital (IKN Nusantara) affect deforestation in Kalimantan?

The construction of IKN Nusantara in Kalimantan may increase deforestation due to the need for land clearance. This could reverse the progress made in reducing deforestation, adding pressure on the region's forests.