Photo: Bambang Hero Saharjo
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
By Prof. Bambang Hero Saharjo, Professor of Forestry and Environment, IPB University
Indonesia’s Rainforests on the Brink
Indonesia’s tropical rainforests cover 10% of the world’s forest area and are home to 12% of the world’s mammals, 16% of reptiles, and 17% of all bird species. Yet in the past two decades, more than 24 million hectares of forest—an area equivalent to the combined size of the UK and the Netherlands—have vanished (World Bank, 2022).
The culprits? Rampant forest fires, land conversion for palm oil plantations, and mining expansion. In 2023, Global Forest Watch ranked Indonesia as the third-highest country in terms of tree cover loss, behind only Brazil and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
This isn’t merely an environmental issue—it’s a systemic failure to harmonize science, policy, and spiritual values. “We chase emission reduction targets on paper, yet forests continue to be sacrificed on the ground,” I’ve often said.
Deforestation and the Climate Crisis: A Grim Picture
- Carbon Emissions and Forest Fires
Indonesia’s land and forest fires are a major source of carbon emissions. In 2015, massive fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan released 1.2 billion tons of CO₂—equivalent to Japan’s annual emissions (Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service).
Despite the formation of the Peatland Restoration Agency (BRG) in 2016, fire damage remains high. In 2019, fire emissions hit 1.6 million tons, with degraded peatlands contributing up to 60% of the nation’s total emissions (MoEF, 2023).
- The Peatland Threat
Indonesia holds 36% of the world’s tropical peatlands, storing up to 60 billion tons of carbon—three to four times more than mineral soils (Wetlands International). But when drained for palm oil, peatlands turn into carbon bombs. One hectare of healthy peat stores 500 tons of carbon; after conversion, just 200 remain—the rest evaporates into the atmosphere, intensifying global warming. - Economic Pressure vs. Ecological Preservation
Palm oil expansion embodies the clash between economic gain and ecological survival. As of 2023, Indonesia had 16.8 million hectares of palm oil plantations (Statistics Indonesia), with 3.4 million hectares encroaching on protected forests. Palm oil brings in foreign exchange, but we often ignore its long-term environmental cost.
Science and Technology: Promise and Limitations
- Global Collaboration and Technological Innovation
In collaboration with the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry in Germany, we established an ASEAN-level Regional Fire Research Center. With NASA funding, we studied peat fire smoke impacts on human health and revealed that IPCC emission calculations for peat fires are often overestimated for some gas species.
Our team developed a satellite-based fire monitoring system capable of predicting fire risks two to three months ahead of the dry season, reducing response time by 40% in South Sumatra. By using high-resolution satellites, we can now detect fires within a week of ignition.
In 2023, we launched Southeast Asia’s first Fire Simulator Training Center, in partnership with the French government. It simulates fire dynamics across various ecosystems, from peatlands to mountain forests, helping emergency responders train effectively and formulate precise suppression strategies. In April–May 2025, firefighters from five ASEAN countries will undergo Fire Simulator training, fully supported by the French Government and AFoCO (Asian Forestry Cooperation) Korea.
- The Implementation Dilemma
Technology alone is not enough. Bureaucratic red tape and limited funding often hamper real-world action. An estimated 70% of districts in Sumatra and Kalimantan lack professional fire brigades, relying instead on local volunteers with minimal equipment. When major fires break out, we’re fighting them with blunt tools—and the fires spiral out of control.
Faith and Spirituality: The Forgotten Bridge
- Indigenous Wisdom
Forest protection must embrace indigenous knowledge. In Central Kalimantan, the Dayak community considers forests sacred. Cutting down large trees without rituals is taboo. Their sacred forests have 50% less deforestation compared to company concessions (AMAN Study, 2021). - Interfaith Rainforest Initiative (IRI)
In 2020, I joined the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative—an international alliance of religious leaders from Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism to protect rainforests. Religion holds the power to mobilize millions. When environmental messages are delivered through sermons, they resonate deeply.
In Riau, a local fatwa declared forest burning haram in 2019. Within two years, fire incidence dropped by 35% (BNPB data). In Bali, Hindu priests revived the Tumpek Wariga ceremony to honor trees, turning it into a conservation awareness tool.
- Spirituality as a Catalyst for Change
Among the Samin community in Central Java, reforestation programs were initially rejected due to mistrust. But through values of laras—harmony with nature—they became some of the most passionate forest stewards. In 2023, they restored 500 hectares of critical land.
The Way Forward: A Strategy to Save Indonesia’s Forests
- Faith-Based Environmental Education
Indonesia is home to over 230 million religious adherents. Religious institutions—Islamic boarding schools, churches, temples—reach even the remotest villages.
- Pesantren: Integrating fiqh al-bi’ah (environmental jurisprudence) into Islamic curricula can instill the belief that destroying forests is sinful, contradicting the role of khalifah fil ardh (guardians of the Earth).
- Sunday Schools and Seminaries: Teach Biblical values of stewardship and creation care through “Nature School” programs.
- Hindu and Buddhist Schools: Emphasize Tri Hita Karana (harmony with God, people, and nature) and ahimsa (non-violence toward living beings).
In Solo, Pesantren Al-Mukmin planted 1,000 trees and implemented organic waste management, cutting their carbon footprint by 30% in just two years.
- Mobilizing Religious Mass Organizations
Mass religious groups like NU and Muhammadiyah, with millions of members, can lead grassroots forest protection.
- NU’s Disaster and Climate Change Agency (LPBI NU) has trained clerics and students in sustainable land use.
- Muhammadiyah initiated “Eco-Mosque” programs promoting renewable energy and plastic waste reduction in mosques.
With sermons, Friday prayers, and religious gatherings as platforms, environmental messages can reach hearts and minds far beyond urban centers.
Closing Reflection
Saving Indonesia’s tropical rainforests is not just a scientific or political battle—it’s a moral one. It demands the synergy of data, compassion, and devotion.
When science meets spirituality, and global partnerships are grounded in local wisdom, we find hope—not just for our forests, but for the soul of the nation.
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Prof. Bambang Hero Saharjo is a Professor of Forestry and Environment at IPB University. He serves as an expert witness on forest fire cases, advisor to international climate collaborations, and member of the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative.