Indonesia forest loss surges 66% in 2025 amid self sufficiency push

Forest loss in Indonesia surged by 66% in 2025, marking the highest rate of deforestation in eight years, driven by weakening environmental safeguards and an aggressive push for food and energy self-sufficiency under President Prabowo Subianto, according to a report released Tuesday.Environmental think tank Auriga Nusantara estimated that 433,751 hectares of forest were cleared last year, a sharp rise from 261,575 hectares in 2024. The findings were based on satellite imagery and field verification across 16 provinces, covering nearly 49,000 hectares.

Forest loss in Indonesia surged by 66% in 2025, hitting its highest rate in eight years as a result of weak environmental protections and an ambitious food and energy self-sufficiency drive, an environmental group said on Tuesday. https://t.co/qYfT8lcVdY https://t.co/qYfT8lcVdY

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Chairman Timer Manurung described the spike as “deeply distressing,” warning that Indonesia is slipping back toward deforestation levels last seen during the 2016 peak, when over a million hectares were lost.A major contributor to the surge has been the government’s push to boost domestic production of key commodities like rice and reduce import dependence. In 2025, authorities allocated 20.6 million hectares of forest land for food, energy, and water-related projects—43% of which comprised natural forests.More than 78,000 hectares were cleared under the “food reserve forest” programme alone, with large swathes of Borneo converted into rice fields. Critics argue such land, particularly peat areas, is unsuitable for agriculture and poses environmental risks.The country’s bioenergy expansion also contributed significantly, with forests repurposed for biomass production and nearly 38,000 hectares cleared within oil palm concessions. Additionally, over 41,000 hectares were diverted for mining activities, including coal, gold, and nickel extraction.
Key Regions Under Pressure
Among Indonesia’s major islands, Borneo recorded the fastest forest loss, followed by Sumatra and Papua. East Kalimantan—where Indonesia plans to build its new capital—emerged as the worst-affected province.Alarmingly, provinces in Sumatra that experienced floods and landslides also saw sharp spikes in deforestation. Forest loss in Aceh rose by 426%, North Sumatra by 281%, and West Sumatra by over 1,000% compared to the previous year.
Auriga Nusantara flagged concerns over continued reliance on policies initiated during former president Joko Widodo’s tenure, including large-scale “national strategic projects” and regulatory changes under the Job Creation Law, which it claims have weakened environmental protections.In response, Indonesia’s Forestry Ministry said it would strengthen monitoring and ensure that development programmes do not compromise forest conservation.
Experts raised worries that rising deforestation, coupled with an expected dry season influenced by El Niño, could significantly heighten the risk of forest fires and environmental degradation in the coming months.The report underscores the urgent need for stronger regulation, better land-use planning, and expanded conservation efforts to protect one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems while balancing economic ambitions.