Oleh: Firzal Rihad Triandra
Indonesia has a high level of biodiversity because its tropical climate has led to the emergence of thousands of hectares of tropical rainforest. On the island of Kalimantan, Indonesia, there are endemic species of flora and fauna such as orangutans, bekantan monkey, and ironwood trees, that’s just on one island there even more. Also, Indonesia is located in the Coral Triangle, which extends to several countries in Southeast Asia. Within the Coral Triangle, 30% of all coral species can be found, compared to other regions.
This diversity positions Indonesia as a crucial nation in maintaining ecological balance. However, this wealth is also vulnerable to pressures, including human activity such as over-exploitation, land conversion, and the threat of climate change. Most conservation areas fall into the fragile category. Under UU No. 5 of 1990 on the Conservation of Natural Resources and Ecosystems, protected conservation areas prohibit the destruction of protected flora and fauna ecosystems.
The challenges for Indonesia conservation
Currently, several areas present new challenges for Indonesia’s biodiversity conservation. These challenges stem from land-use changes that often sacrifice natural ecosystems. One example is the development of Pantai Indah Kapuk 2 in North Jakarta. The area, which was previously mangroves, swamps, and important coastal ecosystems for water absorption and biota habitats, has now largely been transformed into reclamation areas, housing, and business centers. This change has caused concern not only for the environment but also for the surrounding community even though there are regulations that manage the conservation area as mentioned before.
In other regions, small islands in Eastern Indonesia are being converted into tourist destinations. Islands that once had natural ecosystems such as coral reefs and seagrass beds are now being transformed into tourist destinations with the construction of resorts, piers, and tourist facilities. While the tourism sector can boost the economy, unsustainable management often leads to habitat destruction and disrupts the lives of traditional coastal communities.
Additionally, threats arise from the destruction of conservation areas due to illegal fishing practices. Many marine conservation areas in Indonesia, including marine national parks, continue to suffer damage from the use of destructive fishing gear such as dynamite and cyanide. These activities damage coral reef ecosystems, reduce fish populations, and ultimately weaken the functions of conservation areas that should serve as centers of biodiversity and fisheries resource reserves. However, these activities are also carried out by local residents who need to sell fish to meet their daily needs.
Government action
Overall, the shift in the function of these areas highlights the tension between development needs and environmental sustainability. If not managed wisely, such development will have negative impacts on ecosystems and communities, and threaten Indonesia’s role as a mega-biodiversity nation.
The government needs to take firm action. Previously written regulations cannot be changed to suit the wishes of one party. An example is Government Regulation No. 27 of 2021 concerning changes to the Core Zone of Conservation Areas. The government has opened up the possibility of changing the status of conservation zones under the pretext of carrying out activities of national strategic interest, but the openness of the function and content of these activities is still questionable.
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