Calimantan Forest Cover Decreased Throughout 2015-2018

The Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) recorded a decrease in forest cover percentage in Kalimantan Island between 2015 and 2018. Central Kalimantan experienced the most significant decrease in forest cover during these three years, at 2.3%.

This was followed by South Kalimantan, which saw a 1.6% reduction in forest cover. East Kalimantan and North Kalimantan also experienced reductions of 1.3%, while West Kalimantan saw a decrease of 1.1%.

In addition to the reduction in forest cover, the KLHK recorded a net deforestation rate of 744,367 hectares in Kalimantan between 2015 and 2018. The conversion of forests into oil palm plantations and the timber industry are among the main causes of massive deforestation in Borneo.

To address this issue, the KLHK launched a program called Social Forestry. This program aims to manage forests more sustainably for the welfare of the community, environmental balance, and socio-cultural dynamics.

According to a 2020 survey by the Katadata Insight Center (KIC), 86.2% of respondents stated that the program successfully reforested previously deforested areas. Dense forests showed the highest increase.

Please click this link in the category: general >> environment >> forest and non-forest area for more detailed data.