Indonesia, an archipelago nation of over 17,000 islands, holds a significant position in global ecology. Spanning a vast area across the equator, its unique geography fosters diverse ecosystems and influences regional and global climate patterns. This makes Indonesia a country of immense environmental importance, contributing to the planet’s ecological balance.
Unique Natural Heritage
Indonesia is recognized as one of the world’s 17 “megadiverse” countries. It contains two of the world’s 25 biodiversity “hotspots,” with many endemic species facing habitat loss. Its diverse ecosystems include vast tropical rainforests on islands like Borneo and Sumatra.
Indonesia’s marine environments are equally rich, situated within the Coral Triangle, a marine biodiversity epicenter. Indonesian waters host approximately 569 coral species, about 70% of the world’s total, across 2.5 million hectares of coral reefs. This includes the Bird’s Head Seascape, which boasts the highest number of coral species. These marine ecosystems also support over 2,000 species of coral reef fish.
Indonesia is home to numerous iconic and endemic species. These include the Sumatran orangutan, found in Sumatra and Borneo’s rainforests, and the Komodo dragon, native to a few Indonesian islands. The Javan rhinoceros, a rare species, also inhabits parts of Indonesia. The country’s terrestrial biodiversity includes around 31,750 plant species, with 10% of the world’s known flowering plants and 2,000 orchid species on Borneo alone.
Primary Environmental Pressures
Indonesia faces substantial environmental pressures, primarily deforestation. The conversion of forests for palm oil plantations is a leading cause of clearing, making Indonesia the largest global producer. Logging and mining also contribute to forest loss, with large areas cleared for timber, pulpwood, and mineral extraction, including nickel for green energy technologies. Since 1950, over 74 million hectares of Indonesian rainforest have been logged, burned, or degraded.
Pollution is another major environmental challenge. Indonesia is the third largest contributor to plastic pollution worldwide, generating an estimated 3.4 million metric tons annually. Poorly managed domestic and industrial waste leads to significant plastic contamination in rivers, with 0.34 to 0.71 million tons of mismanaged plastic waste entering them each year. Air pollution is also a serious issue, exacerbated by burning peatlands and forests, which releases toxic smoke and greenhouse gases.
Climate change adds pressure to Indonesia’s environment. The country is highly susceptible to its effects, including rising sea levels, altered rainfall patterns, and increased temperatures. Indonesia’s mean annual temperature increased by about 0.8°C between 2010 and 2017. Projections indicate a continued temperature rise of 0.8°C to 1.4°C by the 2050s.
Consequences for Ecosystems and Communities
Environmental pressures in Indonesia directly impact its ecosystems and human communities. Deforestation results in significant habitat loss for numerous species. The Sumatran tiger and Javan rhinoceros, for instance, are endangered due to forest habitat destruction. Clearing and draining carbon-rich peatland forests for palm oil cultivation reduces their ability to support wildlife and store carbon, making them highly flammable.
Pollution directly affects public health and contaminates natural resources. Microplastics have permeated Indonesia’s air, water, and food supply; individuals may inhale around 90 microplastic particles per hour. Approximately 80% of fish consumed in Indonesia, including tilapia and milkfish, are contaminated with microplastics. Water pollution, particularly from mismanaged waste, contaminates rivers, with over half being heavily polluted. This poses health risks, including acute and chronic diseases.
Climate change impacts are evident through rising sea levels and more frequent extreme weather events. Jakarta, the capital, is particularly vulnerable, with about 40% of its area now below sea level and sinking up to 27 cm annually in some areas. This subsidence, combined with sea level rise, threatens to submerge thousands of islands and coastal homes by 2050. Changing sea surface temperatures can disrupt weather patterns, leading to increased vortex storms and tropical cyclones, and affect marine life through ocean warming, which can cause coral bleaching.
Conservation and Sustainability Initiatives
Indonesia has implemented government policies and regulations to address environmental challenges. A three-year freeze on new permits for palm oil plantations was put in place in 2018, contributing to a slowdown in deforestation rates between 2021 and 2022. The country has also designated 21.3% of its land as protected areas, aligning its strategy with the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Additionally, 411 marine reserves account for 9% of Indonesia’s maritime area, with a target to increase this to 30% by 2045.
International and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a role in conservation and community empowerment. Organizations like Sungai Watch have installed approximately 180 barriers in waterways to prevent waste from entering the ocean, collecting over 1.5 million kg of plastic. ECOTON (Ecological Observation and Wetlands Conservation) advocates for a Microplastic Standard to regulate water, air, and food quality and mitigate pollution. These efforts often involve community clean-ups and raising awareness.
Sustainable practices are gaining traction in industries and communities. In the palm oil sector, corporate commitments aim to end deforestation and exploitation in supply chains, though progress has been slow. Efforts also focus on waste management, with initiatives to reduce single-use plastics and improve recycling systems. Community-based conservation efforts emphasize local knowledge systems for sustainable biodiversity utilization, protecting traditional livelihoods that rely on natural resources.