Indonesian 'Energy Transition' Projects Linked to Deforestation Risks
What happened
New transition projects are underway in Indonesia, spanning from Gorontalo in Sulawesi to Merauke in Papua. These projects involve the production of bioenergy through monoculture schemes, which reports state are causing deforestation and destruction. The report “Legalizing the Climate Crisis” notes that over a quarter of Indonesia’s total forest area is at risk of legal deforestation due to permits granted to extractive industries.
From farmlandgrab.org
Why it matters
Companies are targeting these forest areas for 'energy transition' projects, including biomass, bioethanol, and mining operations. These companies are exploiting a 2021 government measure that allows 'forest utilization' permits to be used to carry out these projects.
From farmlandgrab.org
Who's involved
- IndonesiaThe geopolitical state where the transition projects and deforestation are occurring
- GorontaloA city in Sulawesi where transition projects are located
- MeraukeA district in Papua targeted by projects causing legal deforestation
- PapuaA province of Indonesia where transition projects are taking place
- PertaminaIndonesian state-owned oil and gas company potentially affected by new fuel sources
- McKinseyA firm whose carbon removal credits may be affected by legal deforestation
- EMASA global offshore contractor operating in Gorontalo
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.