TheJakartaPost

Please Update your browser

Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.

Jakarta Post

Leuser forest in danger

There is growing concern that Aceh’s economic development today could damage Leuser National Park.

Muamar Vebry (The Jakarta Post)
Premium
Jakarta
Thu, August 31, 2017 Published on Aug. 31, 2017 Published on 2017-08-31T08:21:13+07:00

Change text size

Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone

Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
This picture taken on May 9, 2017 shows a team of Indonesian forest rangers making their way through the Leuser ecosystem rainforest, located mostly within the province of Aceh on the northern tip of the island of Sumatra. Scientists and conservationists consider the Leuser Ecosystem to be among the most important forests left in Southeast Asia, particularly because it is the last place of sufficient size and quality to support viable populations of rare species like Sumatran tigers, orangutans, rhinos, elephants, clouded leopards and sun bears. This picture taken on May 9, 2017 shows a team of Indonesian forest rangers making their way through the Leuser ecosystem rainforest, located mostly within the province of Aceh on the northern tip of the island of Sumatra. Scientists and conservationists consider the Leuser Ecosystem to be among the most important forests left in Southeast Asia, particularly because it is the last place of sufficient size and quality to support viable populations of rare species like Sumatran tigers, orangutans, rhinos, elephants, clouded leopards and sun bears. (AFP/Chaideer Mahyuddin)

H

ave you wondered about the extent of the Leuser ecosystem? The world’s third largest tropical rainforest houses four of the most emblematic species, namely the Sumatran elephant, Sumatran tiger, orangutan and Sumatran rhinoceros.

Located mostly in Aceh, the tropical rainforest bordering North Sumatra was spared from deforestation happening elsewhere in Indonesia, thanks to years of civil conflict between the government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), which constrained commercial activity.

However, following the peace agreement in August 2005, times have been rapidly catching up with Aceh. Today, illegal logging and encroachment areas are as rampant as in Sumatra and Kalimantan.

There is growing concern that Aceh’s economic development today could damage Leuser National Park. Land clearing for agricultural development, mining and infrastructure development have had a notable impact on Aceh’s forests, especially those in the lowlands. The loss of these forests areas would be devastating.

The water supply, natural beauty, biodiversity, climate and hydrological regulating functions of the Leuser ecosystem provide the basis for sustainable livelihoods for approximately four million Acehnese and other ethnic communities.

The environmental and economic benefits of the Leuser forest ecosystem include a regular supply of high-quality water, an optimal environment for fresh water and littoral fisheries, flood and drought prevention, an equitable climate for agriculture and plantations, the potential to distribute small-scale hydro-electricity, natural beauty for tourism and recreation, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, fire prevention, non-timber forest products and many more high economic environmental values.

With the disappearance of the forests, these vital ecosystem services also disappear. In addition, extractive unsustainable forest management and illegal deforestation negates the opportunity for natural forests to fulfill their critical role in fighting climate change through carbon sequestration.

to Read Full Story

  • Unlimited access to our web and app content
  • e-Post daily digital newspaper
  • No advertisements, no interruptions
  • Privileged access to our events and programs
  • Subscription to our newsletters
or

Purchase access to this article for

We accept

TJP - Visa
TJP - Mastercard
TJP - GoPay

Redirecting you to payment page

Pay per article

Leuser forest in danger

Rp 35,000 / article

1
Create your free account
By proceeding, you consent to the revised Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.
Already have an account?

2
  • Palmerat Barat No. 142-143
  • Central Jakarta
  • DKI Jakarta
  • Indonesia
  • 10270
  • +6283816779933
2
Total Rp 35,000

Your Opinion Matters

Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.

Enter at least 30 characters
0 / 30

Thank You

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.

Share options

Quickly share this news with your network—keep everyone informed with just a single click!

Change text size options

Customize your reading experience by adjusting the text size to small, medium, or large—find what’s most comfortable for you.

Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone

Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!

Continue in the app

Get the best experience—faster access, exclusive features, and a seamless way to stay updated.