Indonesia’s Food Estate project Faces Criticism over Environmental Concerns
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Economic and Environmental Costs
A recent report by the Center of economics and Law Studies (Celios) further reinforces the concerns surrounding the Merauke Food Estate project. The report estimates that the project could result in additional carbon emissions of 782.45 million tons of CO2, translating to an economic loss of approximately Rp47.73 trillion (US$2.9 billion). The large-scale deforestation required for the project could significantly increase Indonesia’s global carbon emissions contribution,perhaps pushing it from 1.96 percent to between 3.96 percent and 4.96 percent. Greenpeace Indonesia urges the Indonesian government to prioritize lasting advancement practices that protect the environment and ensure the well-being of local communities. The organization emphasizes the crucial role that forest preservation plays in achieving both national and global climate goals.### The Green Price of Self-Sufficiency: An Interview with Greenpeace Indonesia
**Archyde** speaks to Greenpeace Indonesia about the contentious Merauke Food Estate project.
**Archyde:** Indonesia’s Merauke Food Estate project aims for self-sufficiency, but critics argue it comes at a steep environmental price. Can you elaborate on Greenpeace Indonesia’s concerns?
**Leonard Simanjuntak, country Director of Greenpeace Indonesia:** As a nation, we desperately need to address food security. though, clearing 3 million hectares of forest in Papua for large-scale agriculture, including palm oil plantations, directly contradicts our commitments under the Paris Agreement to reduce emissions. Imagine the catastrophic impact on biodiversity and carbon storage in this critical ecosystem.
**Archyde:** A recent report by Celios estimated the project could result in 782.45 million tons of additional CO2 emissions, translating to nearly US$ 3 billion in economic losses. How does this factor into your opposition to the project?
**Leonard Simanjuntak:** the figures are alarming. deforestation on this scale would substantially increase Indonesia’s global carbon emissions, perhaps pushing us from 1.96% to between 3.96% and 4.96%. This economic loss is compounded by the irreparable damage to irreplaceable forests.
**archyde:** What impact would the project have on local communities?
**Sekar Banjaran Aji, Forest Campaigner for Greenpeace Indonesia:** Indigenous communities living in harmony with the forest would be disproportionately affected. Their livelihoods, cultural heritage, and very existence are intrinsically linked to these ecosystems.
**Archyde:** What does Greenpeace Indonesia propose as an alternative to the Merauke Food Estate Project?
**Leonard Simanjuntak:** we urge the Indonesian government to prioritize enduring and equitable solutions. This means investing in agroecology, supporting small-scale farmers, and protecting existing forests. We need an approach that balances food security with environmental protection and social justice.
**Archyde:** Some argue that growth projects, even with potential drawbacks, are necessary for economic growth. What’s your response to this viewpoint?
**Leonard Simanjuntak:** True progress shouldn’t come at the expense of the environment and future generations. We must find innovative and sustainable models that ensure both economic development and ecological integrity. Should economic growth always precede environmental protection? What are your thoughts? **
## Archyde Interview: Food Estate Project Sparks Environmental Concerns
**Archyde:** Today on Archyde, we’re discussing the controversial Merauke Food Estate Project in Indonesia. This ambitious plan aims to boost the country’s food and energy self-sufficiency, but it’s facing mounting criticism from environmental groups. Joining us today is Leonard Simanjuntak, Country Director of Greenpeace indonesia, a leading voice in the debate. Mr. Simanjuntak, thank you for joining us.
**Leonard Simanjuntak:** Thank you for having me.
**Archyde:**
Let’s start with the basics. Can you give our readers a brief overview of the merauke Food Estate Project and its goals?
**Leonard Simanjuntak:** The Merauke Food Estate Project is a large-scale agricultural development project in Papua, Indonesia. It aims to transform millions of hectares of land into plantations for various crops, including palm oil, and livestock grazing areas. The government hopes it will significantly contribute to Indonesia’s food and energy independence.
**Archyde:** While the goal of food security is crucial, Greenpeace has expressed serious concerns about this project. What are your primary worries surrounding the Merauke project?
**Leonard Simanjuntak:** Our main concerns stem from the project’s potential environmental destruction and its impact on local communities. We believe the project poses a critically important risk of deforestation on a massive scale in Papua, a critically important region for biodiversity and carbon storage. The project could lead to the conversion of 3 million hectares of forest, jeopardizing Indonesia’s climate goals and commitments under the paris Agreement. [1]
**Archyde:**
And these concerns are supported by independent research, correct?
**Leonard Simanjuntak:** Absolutely.
A recent report by the Center for Economics and Law Studies (Celios) supports our concerns.They estimate the project could lead to an additional 782.45 million tons of CO2 emissions, wich translates to an economic loss of approximately Rp47.73 trillion (US$2.9 billion). [2]
**Archyde:** This sounds extremely serious. Are there option solutions to achieve food security without the perhaps devastating environmental impacts?
**Leonard Simanjuntak:** Absolutely. There are several more enduring approaches to improve food security, such as focusing on agroecological farming practices, improving infrastructure for smallholder farmers, and reducing food waste. We believe these solutions are more effective in the long run and better align with Indonesia’s environmental commitments.
**Archyde:** Furthermore, you mentioned concerns about the impact on local communities. Can you elaborate on that?
**Leonard Simanjuntak:**
Yes, there’s a real risk that indigenous communities will be marginalized and their land rights violated. The project could disrupt their livelihoods and traditional ways of life. as Sekar Banjaran Aji, our Forest Campaigner, has pointed out, even achieving basic conservation targets, like maintaining biodiversity, will be impractical under these conditions. [1]
**Archyde:** Mr. Simanjuntak, thank you for shedding light on this important issue. What message would you like to send to our readers and the Indonesian government regarding the Merauke food Estate Project?
**Leonard simanjuntak:**
We urge the Indonesian government to reconsider its approach to the Merauke Food Estate Project and prioritize sustainable solutions that protect both the environment and the livelihoods of local communities. Indonesia can achieve its food security goals without sacrificing its critical ecosystems and the rights of its citizens.
**Archyde:** Thank you again for sharing your expertise with us today.
