Deforestation still haunts Indonesia’s national parks - Society - The Jakarta Post

Indonesia

Society

The most protected conservation areas in Indonesia face dangers that threaten their tree cover.

Rows of young oil palm trees are seen on April 28 on the border of Sebangau National Park area in Central Kalimantan. Around 2,000 hectares of forests in the national park and its buffer zone were cleared to make way for oil palm plantations in 2024, according to NGO Auriga Nusantara. (JP/Noufal Helmy)

Despite having the highest conservation status, many national parks are still suffering from forest destruction, raising questions about commitments from various authorities to preserve the country’s remaining woodlands.Deforestation is persistent in Indonesia, and it has been on the rise in recent years. According to environmental NGO Auriga Nusantara, more than 430,000 hectares of forest were cleared in 2025. The figure, nearly the same size as seven Jakartas, nearly doubled the amount in 2024.