Indonesia's forest under threat from biomass export push to Korea, Japan

Aerial view shows extensive deforestation near a wood pellet production facility in Gorontalo province on Indonesias Sulawesi island AP-Yonhap — This photo shows Indonesia's Sulawesi island. AP-Yonhap

SEOUL, October 28 (AJP) - Indonesia is accelerating deforestation of its pristine forests to produce biomass fuel, primarily wood pellets, for export to South Korea and Japan, raising environmental concerns over the impact on wildlife habitats, AP reported on Friday.

Environmental group Auriga Nusantara revealed that over 14,000 square kilometers have been licensed for biomass production, with 97.4 square kilometers already cleared -- much of which serves as critical habitat for endangered species including Sumatran rhinoceros, elephants, orangutans, and tigers.

Between 2021 and 2023, South Korea received 61 percent of Indonesia's wood pellet exports while Japan took 38 percent, with both countries investing millions of dollars in biomass research, development, and factory construction in Indonesia.

The situation could worsen as Indonesia's state power company PLN plans to use 10 percent biomass in 52 coal power plants, while environmental experts warn the country lacks proper monitoring and regulation of biomass fuel production, according to Bima Yudhistira, director of the Center for Economic and Law Studies.

AJP

Indonesia's forest under threat from biomass export push to Korea, Japan

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