Biomass Energy Project Threatens Bornean Rainforest and Indigenous Communities

A proposed biomass energy project in Indonesia’s Borneo island is causing concern among environmentalists and indigenous communities. The plan involves clearing large areas of rainforest to establish plantations for wood pellet production, which critics argue undermines both environmental sustainability and the rights of local people.

Source: Mongabay/YouTube

In North Kalimantan’s Malinau district, three villages—Laban Nyarit, Nunuk Tanah Kibang, and Sengayan—have signed agreements transferring at least 5,000 hectares of their ancestral land to a biomass company. Much of this land is pristine rainforest, vital for biodiversity and the livelihoods of indigenous groups like the Dayaks and Punan people.

According to Mongabay, residents like Ipu Angit, a Punan elder, depend on the forest for daily necessities such as food, medicinal plants, and materials. “If this forest disappears, where would we find these things?” he asks, highlighting the potential impact on their traditional way of life.

While the Indonesian government promotes biomass as a renewable energy source to reduce reliance on coal, research indicates that burning wood biomass can emit more carbon dioxide per unit of electricity than coal itself. Additionally, the company’s intention to export the wood pellets raises questions about the local benefits of the project.

Local villagers have reported unfair dealings with the company, including inadequate compensation and lack of informed consent. In some cases, lands were mapped and claimed without the owners’ agreement. “We don’t know much; we don’t have a lot of education here, and we didn’t grasp what the future impact would be,” says Malik, a resident of Nunuk Tanah Kibang.

Environmental groups warn that Indonesia’s biomass strategy could lead to significant deforestation. A 2022 analysis by clean energy think tank Trend Asia suggests that meeting government biomass targets might require clearing at least one million hectares of natural forest—an area twice the size of Bali.

The situation underscores the complex challenge Indonesia faces in balancing renewable energy goals with environmental conservation and indigenous rights. As the nation seeks sustainable energy solutions, it’s crucial to ensure that such projects do not harm the ecosystems and communities they are meant to Support.

Article information adapted from Mongabay. This article is provided under a Creative Commons license.

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