×

Our award-winning reporting has moved

Context provides news and analysis on three of the world’s most critical issues:

climate change, the impact of technology on society, and inclusive economies.

Indonesia environment minister wants permanent ban on licences to use forest land

by Reuters
Monday, 24 July 2017 07:50 GMT

Police and a fire fighter from a local forestry company try to extinguish a forest fire in the village in Rokan Hulu regency, Riau province, Sumatra, Indonesia August 28, 2016 in this photo taken by Antara Foto. Antara Foto/Rony Muharrman/via REUTERS

Image Caption and Rights Information

Indonesia is prone to outbreaks of forest fires during dry seasons, often blamed on the draining of peatland forests and land clearance for agriculture such as the cultivation of palm oil

* Moratorium has already been extended three times

* Environment minister wants to make it permanent

* Smog from Indonesia forest fires sometimes hits neighbours 

JAKARTA, July 24 (Reuters) - Indonesia's environment minister said on Monday she wants to make permanent a moratorium on issuing new licences to use land designated as primary forest and peatland.

The moratorium, part of an effort to reduce emissions from fires caused by deforestation, was extended by President Joko Widodo for a third time in May.

"So far its only been extended, and extended again. I want a permanent (moratorium)," said Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar. "Our primary forest cannot be cleared out."

Indonesia is prone to outbreaks of forest fires during dry seasons, often blamed on the draining of peatland forests and land clearance for agriculture such as the cultivation of palm oil.

The resulting choking smoke from the world's biggest palm oil producer often blows across to neighbouring countries like Singapore and Malaysia, slashing visibility and causing a health hazard.

Established in 2011, the moratorium covered an area of more than 66 million hectares (163 million acres) by November 2016.

(Reporting by Jakarta bureau; Writing by Fransiska Nangoy; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

-->