Indonesian Minister Urges Land Inventory Method Changes to Meet EU Deforestation-Free Standards

Indonesian Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar has called for a revision of the country's land inventory measurement methods to align with the European Union's deforestation-free product regulation. This announcement follows a meeting between President Joko Widodo and Norwegian Minister of Climate and Environment Andreas Bjelland Eriksen at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on June 2, 2024.

Why this matters: The adjustment to land inventory measurement methods has significant implications for Indonesia's palm oil exports and the country's commitment to sustainable land management. Failure to comply with EU's deforestation-free product regulation could result in trade restrictions and reputational damage for Indonesian palm oil producers.

Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar highlighted that Indonesia is currently reassessing its land inventory methods because of potential errors. The EU's deforestation-free regulation (EUDR) is seen as a challenge for Indonesian palm oil exports, which have faced discrimination in European markets. The regulation aims to ban the import and export of forest-risk commodities produced on deforested or degraded land after 2020.

During the meeting, Norwegian Minister Andreas Bjelland Eriksen emphasized the importance of sustainable natural resource management and suggested using high-resolution satellite imagery to verify the origin of biological resources. This method could demonstrate to European countries that Indonesia's palm oil production is sustainable.

Indonesia and Norway are collaborating on reforestation efforts, with Norway providing high-resolution satellite imagery and professional staff training. This partnership aims to improve the accuracy of land inventory measurements and support sustainable land management practices.

Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar stated that Indonesia has made significant progress in reducing carbon emissions. The country achieved a reduction of 945 million tons in 2020, 889 million tons in 2021, and 875 million tons in 2022. The reduction for 2023 is still being calculated, but it is expected to exceed 810 million tons, surpassing the target commitment to reduce emissions by 31.89%.

The collaboration between Indonesia and Norway also includes reforestation programs in areas like Bukit Lawang, part of Gunung Leuser National Park, which is home to 28 rare Sumatran orangutans. The Royal Norwegian Government has provided grant funds for these programs, aiming to rejuvenate and manage the area sustainably.

Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar's call for adjustments to land inventory methods reflects Indonesia's commitment to sustainable land management and reducing deforestation. By adopting advanced technologies like high-resolution satellite imagery, Indonesia aims to meet international standards and promote its sustainable palm oil production.

"So, Indonesia is also criticizing its land inventory method, and we are continuing to work on this," said Siti Nurbaya Bakar. Eriksen added, "And we can highlight this cooperation so that all of Europe can see when we discuss it with other European countries."

Key Takeaways

• Indonesia to revise land inventory methods to comply with EU's deforestation-free product regulation.
• Revision aims to ensure sustainable palm oil exports and avoid trade restrictions.
• Indonesia and Norway collaborate on reforestation efforts and satellite imagery verification.
• Indonesia reduces carbon emissions by 945 million tons in 2020, exceeding target commitment.
• Advanced technologies to be adopted to meet international standards and promote sustainable palm oil production.