PALMOILMAGAZINE, SURAKARTA – The conversion of forests into palm oil plantations remains a contentious issue in Indonesia. As the country with one of the largest tropical forest areas after Brazil, Indonesia faces a dilemma between economic interests and environmental conservation. Aziz Akbar Mukasyaf, a forestry expert from Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta (UMS), argues that such policies contradict Indonesia’s environmental commitments.
“This expansion of forest conversion undermines Indonesia’s commitment to reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. The country has pledged through REDD+ and the Paris Agreement to minimize environmental damage,” Aziz stated, as reported by Palmoilmagazine.com from the Central Java Muhammadiyah leadership website (PWM Jateng) on Sunday (Feb 2, 2025).
According to Aziz, in addition to disrupting ecological balance, forest conversion threatens biodiversity, as many species lose their natural habitat. He pointed out that displaced wildlife often migrates to human settlements, increasing the risk of poaching and extinction.
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Aziz also emphasized the crucial role of forests in regulating natural cycles, such as oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide circulation. “If forests disappear, our oxygen supply declines. Then what will we breathe?” he questioned.
He noted a significant decline in forest cover outside Java, where large areas have been converted into industrial tree plantations, such as eucalyptus for paper production. This shift, he argued, not only leads to social and economic conflicts but also exacerbates global warming.
Criticism of Palm Oil’s Role in Food and Energy Security
Responding to President Prabowo Subianto’s claim that palm oil contributes to food and energy security, Aziz challenged this view. He pointed out that palm oil is mainly used in commercial industries, such as cooking oil, margarine, and cosmetics, rather than directly contributing to food security.
“Where is the food security aspect? I don’t see the connection,” he asserted.
Aziz acknowledged palm oil’s potential for biofuel, but stressed that many alternative energy sources exist without requiring forest conversion.
Meanwhile, Reuters data indicates that Indonesia aims to produce 3 million tons of rice domestically by 2025, up from 1.27 million tons in 2024, while also importing over 3.7 million tons. “If this is already sufficient for food security, why do we need more palm oil plantations?” he questioned.
Aziz also criticized the Food Estate program, which involves converting forests into agricultural land. “Is this still not enough? It should be reconsidered,” he urged.
Palm Oil Is Not a Tree: Environmental Risks and Monoculture Threats
Addressing claims that palm oil trees produce oxygen, Aziz refuted the notion, explaining that palm oil is not a true tree.
“Palm oil lacks cambium and woody tissues, meaning it is not classified as a tree but as a palm species with fibrous roots,” he explained.
These fibrous roots make palm oil plantations less stable on certain soil types, increasing the risk of toppling. Additionally, oil palm trees have a short productive lifespan of only 20-30 years, after which their yield declines significantly.
Since palm oil is grown as a monoculture, it is highly vulnerable to climate change and pest infestations. Aziz warned that low genetic diversity in palm oil plantations poses a major threat if a widespread pest outbreak occurs.
“If one type of palm oil tree is attacked by pests, entire plantations across Indonesia could be affected. This presents a serious risk to energy and economic stability,” he cautioned.
A Call for Sustainable Agricultural Intensification
As a solution, Aziz urged the government to prioritize agricultural intensification over land expansion. He argued that boosting productivity on existing farmland is a far wiser approach than continuously clearing forests for new plantations.
“Maximizing existing agricultural land is far more sustainable than persistently converting forests into palm oil plantations,” he concluded. (P2)
