Case of Java Island -- Part I
Introduction of Deforestation on Java Island
Through this series of articles, we explore the causes and solutions to the problem of deforestation on Java Island through ESG principle. In this article, we present a brief introduction of the situation of deforestation in Java Island, and identify the primary cause for it.
The Southeast Asia region contains abundant rainforest and a diverse ecosystem. Indonesia, for example, has 94 million hectares of forest, and these forests play an important role in preserving wildlife and matter cycle. As a carbon sink, the forests store large amounts of carbon, alleviating global warming.
However, deforestation has become a significant issue in Indonesia. Although governments have outlawed some methods of deforestation, the issue is not alleviated at all. In fact, the area of annual deforestation continues to rise since 2021. In 2024, 261.575 hectares (ha) of forests were cut down in all regions of Indonesia, with 97% within legal concessions.
Our solutions emerge around on one important part of Indonesia -- Java Island. Java Island is the economic and cultural center of Indonesia. Indonesia’s former capital city, Jakarta, is on the northeastern coast of Java Island. Java Island has 1,400 people/km², with volcanic soils covering 60% of its land.
Java, along with other parts of Indonesia, is suffering from deforestation. Climate change also significantly threatens the biodiversity and economic prosperity of the city. The rising sea level due to global warming causes coastal areas like Jakarta to sink at 5 cm/year. ENSO-induced droughts also reduced agricultural yields by 30% in 2023.
