Indonesia Roundup: Carbon trading, food sufficiency, forest conversion
Republic Day 2025
Indonesian soldiers are preparing for the Republic Day 2025 parade in New Delhi, rehearsing on Kartavya Path. Rediff reports that the event showcases the Indonesian army's band and personnel as they get ready for the march. Photographers captured various moments, including soldiers posing and interacting with other military units.
Food sufficiency for Papuans
The Indonesian government, through Transmigration Minister M. Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara, is focusing on helping young Papuans achieve food sufficiency. Since taking office in October 2024, Suryanagara has emphasised that Papua's development should be led by local talent, with external experts supporting the process. He announced plans for local transmigration to bolster human resources for food estate projects, ensuring that movements remain within the province to maintain national unity. Additionally, Deputy Minister Viva Yoga Mauladi highlighted the need to improve educational facilities in transmigration areas to enhance local human resources, Antara News reports.
Forest conversion
Activists are criticising Indonesia's plan to convert 20 million hectares of forest for food and energy production as "environmentally illogical and destructive." According to The Leader-Herald, the government aims to produce rice and bioethanol from sugar palm trees in a bid to boost self-sufficiency in food and energy under President Prabowo Subianto. However, environmental NGOs warn that this plan could lead to increased deforestation and exacerbate the expansion of oil palm plantations, Indonesia's top export, which already covers 17.77 million hectares. While the forestry minister claims the initiative will not clear forests but optimise agroforestry, activists argue that the focus should instead be on utilising existing agricultural land, respecting indigenous rights, and promoting genuine agrarian reform.
E-Visa application
Indian tourists can now apply for Indonesia's e-Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) online, streamlining the visa process for travellers from 97 eligible countries, including India. Economic Times reports that, this digital platform, introduced by VFS Global, allows for quicker and more convenient applications, replacing the previous system that required obtaining visas at airports or embassies. Group booking features are also available for travel agents. The e-VoA permits a 30-day stay in Indonesia, with a possible extension of another 30 days, aligning with Indonesia's goal of attracting 14 million tourists by 2025.
International carbon trading platform
Indonesia has launched its first international carbon trading platform to support its climate goals, utilising blockchain technology for transparency and efficiency. Mahendra Siregar, head of the Financial Services Authority, noted the platform’s potential to attract foreign investment and foster sustainable development. Aligning with Indonesia’s Nationally Determined Contributions, the country aims to reduce emissions by 31.89% domestically and 43.20% with international help by 2030, targeting net-zero emissions by 2060. This initiative is expected to enhance Indonesia's role in global climate action and aid in reducing carbon footprints, TV Brics reports.
