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Orangutan, hydro power plant can coexist
Preventing climate change by replacing fossil fuel-based energy with renewable energy is as important as the orangutan’s survival. Therefore, the two should be able to coexist and to impact positively on each other. #opinion
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A group of scientists are now describing the Batang Toru orangutan as a new species: Pongo tapanuliensis – the Tapanuli Orangutan. (Jonas Landolt/Jonas Landolt)
T
em>The Jakarta Post has published a number of opinion articles on the controversial construction of the hydroelectric power plant (HEPP) in the Batang Toru River in North Sumatra, which some green groups say is threatening the endemic species of Tapanuli orangutan there.
Most recently, Erik Meijaard and Serge Wich in their joint byline on July 20 suggested the termination of the project because it would drive the rarest great ape on Earth to extinction.
As a person educated in conservation biology, I am disturbed by those opposing the hydro power plant project, which puts the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions as a result of the project behind the survival of the Tapanuli orangutan.
I support a bold and effective protection scheme to guarantee the long-term survival of any critically endangered species, not just the orangutan but also the Sumatran tiger, tapir, etc. However, I am for green power generation, too.
Indonesia is the third-largest carbon emitter and relies heavily on fossil fuels, mostly diesel and coal, to generate electricity. The government’s energy mix projects 30 percent of electricity will come from new and renewable energy.
The Batang Toru hydro power plant will replace a floating diesel-based generator that supplies 500 megawatts of electricity to North Sumatra. The project will reduce 1.6 to 2.2 million tons per year in carbon emission or 4 percent of the national target reduction under the Paris Agreement. It is one of the national strategic projects for the country’s new and renewable energy.
As a former environmentalist and now a member of the Climate Change group, I share the concern of many about whether the project and orangutans can coexist and whether the two can support each other.
