Deforestation in Indonesia is exacerbating disasters caused by severe weather and climate change

Deadly Flash Floods and Landslides in West Sumatra Highlight Indonesia’s Environmental Crisis

JAKARTA – The recent deadly flash floods and landslides in West Sumatra, triggered by torrential rains, have once again brought attention to Indonesia’s environmental crisis. Roads turned into murky brown rivers, homes were swept away, and bodies were pulled from the mud in the aftermath of the natural disaster.

Government officials attributed the floods to heavy rainfall, but environmental groups pointed to deforestation and environmental degradation as exacerbating factors intensifying the impact of severe weather events in Indonesia.

Indonesia, home to the world’s third-largest rainforest, has seen more than 74 million hectares of forest destroyed since 1950 for various development projects, including palm oil, paper, and rubber plantations, mining, and other commodities. The country is a major producer of palm oil, coal, and pulp for paper, as well as having vast reserves of nickel.

The effects of climate change, including extreme events like floods and droughts, are already being felt in Indonesia. Experts warn that deforestation not only contributes to climate change but also worsens the impact of natural disasters like floods and landslides.

Despite some progress, such as a temporary freeze on new palm oil plantation permits, experts caution that deforestation is unlikely to stop anytime soon. The incoming president has promised to continue development projects linked to deforestation, raising concerns among environmental watchdogs about weakening environmental protections.

As Indonesia grapples with the dual challenges of economic development and environmental conservation, experts emphasize the need for sustainable land planning and a shift towards more environmentally-friendly practices to ensure the country’s long-term resilience against climate change.