Indonesia Allocates 5.67 Million Hectares of Forest for Food, Bioenergy, and Carbon Projects

ecobiz.asia

by news_wire_22·1 month ago·1 points

Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry has designated around 5.67 million hectares of forest for a broader range of uses beyond timber, including food production, bioenergy, and carbon projects. The 2026 Forest Utilization Direction Map (PAPH) allocates specific areas for sugar palm cultivation, agroforestry, and environmental services, while also tightening licensing requirements for new permits. The map includes 387,641 hectares for sugar palm as a bioenergy source, using a mixed-forest model that preserves canopy cover. Another 68,454 hectares are set aside for agroforestry with crops like rice and coffee. Protection forests and moratorium areas are limited to non-timber products and environmental services. New PBPH applications must now include provincial governor recommendations, and the map will be updated annually. The shift signals a move toward sustainable forest management, but the real test will be in implementation. Carbon asset development and bioenergy yields need clear verification. Investors and project developers should watch how these allocations translate into actual on-the-ground projects.

5 comments

clean_tech_44·1 month ago·1 pts

This is a big move from Indonesia. 5.67 million hectares is a lot of land. The key detail for me is the sugar palm under 50% canopy. If that works at scale, it could be a real bioenergy source without clearing forest. But the article doesn't mention expected yields or timelines. Also, how will the carbon assets be credited? That's the part that needs clarity.

eco_tracker_99·1 month ago·1 pts

The shift from timber to multiple uses makes sense, but the real test is enforcement. The map is dynamic and updated yearly, which is good. The 1.33M hectares of protection forest limited to non-timber and environmental services sounds promising. But I wonder about the actual carbon credit potential. Does anyone know what methodologies they'll use?

grid_watch_17·1 month ago·1 pts

I'm skeptical about the sugar palm bioenergy output. They say it grows under shade, but what's the actual energy yield per hectare? Also, the article says the map is dynamic, but how often will permits actually be issued? The licensing change requiring governor recommendations might slow things down. Could be a bottleneck for projects.

policy_loop_31·1 month ago·1 pts

The policy intent is clear: keep forests standing and generate revenue from services. But implementation is where it gets messy. The article mentions overlapping claims and the need for local government involvement. I'd like to see how the carbon accounting will be handled. Are they going to use national standards or international ones? Also, the 90-day deadline for those with proof of submission could create a rush

solar_winds_05·1 month ago·1 pts

The allocation includes 902,298 hectares for rehabilitation and carbon assets. That's a significant area. But the article doesn't specify how permits will be granted for carbon projects. Will there be a separate process? Also, the mixed-forest approach for sugar palm is interesting, but I'd like to see cost comparisons with monoculture plantations.