“Most of the area included in the BTIIG plan is within Sigendo Forest. This forest is home to anoa and babirusa. Ironically, part of the area is planned to be used as a tailings storage site,” said Riski Saputra, AEER researcher, during a discussion in Jakarta (29/8).

The Indonesia Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (IBSAP) 2025–2045 document should be an important milestone in the protection of Indonesia’s biodiversity. Moreover, IBSAP 2025–2045 is in line with the 2025–2045 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJPN), the 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN), and global commitments through the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The launch of three strategic documents on Indonesia’s biodiversity on 19 August by Bappenas should also signal that the strengthening of IBSAP implementation must begin.

In her presentation, Anggi Pertiwi Putri, S.T., M.Env., Junior Planner at the Directorate of Environment, Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas, stated that the grand vision of IBSAP until 2045 is to reduce threats to biodiversity, utilise it with sustainable guidelines, and strengthen governance.

‘In the context of preventing excessive fragmentation that threatens biodiversity, IBSAP is expected to strengthen the integration and resilience of ecosystem conservation, maintain more effective spatial planning, and pay attention to biodiversity at the ecosystem, species and genetic levels,’ said Anggi Pertiwi Putri.

AEER emphasises that biodiversity needs to be integrated into all aspects of development and hopes that the IBSAP document will become an important government initiative to start paying attention to this aspect. Landscape-based biodiversity management is not only relevant for conservation, but can also contribute to achieving the 2030 FOLU Net Sink target as land clearing will be reduced.

The six categories of High Conservation Value or HCV are an important reference for environmental protection in the extractive industry sector. In accordance with the precautionary principle, HCV identification results must be considered valid and binding until there is evidence to the contrary. Therefore, AEER recommends that PT BTIIG not expand into areas categorised as high conservation areas covering 3,945 hectares. AEER also urges PT BTIIG to respect and involve local communities in all stages of its development and to publish its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) document.

In addition, AEER reminds the Government of the need to conduct a comprehensive mapping of HCVs in Morowali Regency, which is the centre of the nickel industry. Protection of these areas must be ensured without eliminating community access. At the same time, AEER encourages local communities to strengthen social control through active public participation. ***

Media Contact:

Riski Saputra | +62 822-4976-1486 | riski.s@aeer.or.id