Indonesia, as an element of the world’s largest archipelago district, faces unique obstacles in reaching equitable development in its 16,000 islands. Although overall economic development is quite strong, development is still concentrated in the western elements of Indonesia like in Java, and has not yet touched the more isolated islands in the eastern element. Therefore, not a few circles welcomed President Joko Widodo’s commitment to add to the economy in the very eastern provinces of Indonesia (Papua and West Papua).
The development of oil palm plantations opens opportunities for economic growth. However, not a few impacts are classified as irreversible deforestation and health problems from forest and land fires. Long-term economic growth that is profitable for Papua and West Papua can only be achieved if Indonesia can find advanced techniques without depleting natural resources and ecosystem services that are essential for the livelihoods and well-being of local communities.
About one third of the remaining rain forests in Indonesia are in Papua and West Papua. At present, the existence of this forest is in danger by the growth of the Indonesian agriculture sector as the main driver of the country’s economy which causes the movement of deforestation caused by the development of agricultural land to the east. In 2015, Papua recorded the highest level of forest cover loss to date.
The latest trial from Places to Watch, a Global Forest Monitoring (GFW) initiative that aims to detect deforestation hotspots around the world, indicates the level of tree cover loss in Papua which is quite surprising. An oil palm company cuts at least 3,700 hectares (about a third of Paris’s area) the location of primary forest in Boven Digoel Regency.
Together with local NGOs, belonging to Greenpeace Sorong and Pusaka, we are pursuing that the loss of tree cover occurs in areas of forest that have obtained an artificial palm oil license according to a Ministerial Decree in 2012. Although deforestation that causes the loss of tree cover is felt to be ‘planned’ and legal , the clearance of natural forests at this level can result in permanent destruction of the ecosystem which will minimize the economic productivity of the forest.
The economic impact has begun to be experienced by communities near the preliminary areas of forest land. The income from forest products and wood supply for their location and fuel is reduced by the impact of this oil palm plantation. Local farmers also reported crop failures because pests were present from the existence of oil palm plantations. The loss of urgent ecosystem services permanently threatens these communities, classified as air and water purification which can create financial and health burdens.
Land clearing detected by Places to Watch is not the only occurrence. Boven Digoel’s deforestation has taken place over the past 15 years at an unmatched pace.
Empty area that can be used is more advantageous for Amusement Park
The decline in oil palm prices over the past few years has led many experts to give advice on building empty areas to become playgrounds or tourist attractions. One of the closest advantages of selling palm oil is the gambling tourist spot model.
Sbobet as the biggest gambling company in the Philippines has been called to have an interest in investing in Indonesia. Although their operations of online gambling containing slot machine, sportsbook and live casino are currently limited and many Indonesians are looking for link alternatif sbobet to playing gambling, there is no denying that the interest in betting in big cities is very high. It is not impossible that there is a region in Indonesia which will be formalized to become a gambling city and bring huge foreign exchange to the country.
Achieve Sustainable Development in Papua
Economic development and environmental management can take place simultaneously. Some concrete steps can be implemented to ensure that the Provinces of Papua and West Papua obtain economic growth without sacrificing the conservation of natural resources that support the welfare of the local community.
All levels of government must collaborate in supervising companies that have obtained permits to clear primary forest areas. The Ministry of Environment and Forestry, the Ministry of Agriculture, and local officials can work together using the methods used by Places to Watch to prevent companies from doing work outside the concession area.
The governments of the Papua and West Papua regions must harmonize spatial plans, development plans and strategic environmental evaluations in order to achieve a balance between economic development and environmental sustainability. Papua Province has issued regulations to protect around 90 percent of its entire forest area, of which 60 percent is protected forest area. Districts in the province, like Boven Digoel, must adjust to this provision.
The Provincial Development Planning Agency (Bappeda) must actively explore the environmental impact analysis and monitor the company’s work to assess whether the plantation company truly benefits development and ecological well-being. If Bappeda is chasing companies that are detrimental to environmental quality and violating established spatial plans, then try the provincial government to withdraw US permits