Indonesia is moving to ban new oil palm operations in the wake of massive forest fires in the country last year, partly due by the expansion of the industry. But producers fear that the move could affect the nation's economy.
President Joko Widodo has proposed a moratorium on the granting of new land for palm oil plantations in Indonesia, the world's largest producer of edible vegetable oil - a key ingredient in all day products such as biscuits, shampoo and makeup. This initiative aims to reduce the environmental damage caused by industry.
Instead, President Widodo encouraged producers to focus on the use of improved seeds to increase their yields. In a statement, he said "palm oil concessions currently available are already sufficient."
plantations on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo have increased in recent years, demand for palm oil has increased, bringing huge profits to businesses, and government revenue. The growth of the palm oil industry has been blamed for the destruction of tropical forests and old - many endangered species -. And recurring forest fires due to illegal slash-and-burn clearance technologies
The Indonesian Oil Palm Association found that palm oil is the driving force of the largest economy the Southeast Asia and supports 24 million jobs, as reported by the the Independent.
The militants remained cautious about the proposal as Greenpeace Indonesia has warned that the mere "presidential statement" would be less effective and what needs the country's strict regulations.
A forest campaigner of Greenpeace Indonesia, Kiki Taufik, said ABC News for the prohibition to operate smoothly, government officials would need to work together effectively. "This is probably one of the hardest parts - lack of coordination between officials is common and it often leads to poor enforcement," said Taufik
ThereTwo weeks. April 14, President Widodo first announced the moratorium, which included a review of oil palm and existing mining claims in the Leuser ecosystem, as well as clearing ban until the review is ends. the moratorium came days after the president promised to set up a national moratorium on oil concessions in forest areas.