Indonesia has declared it no longer needs to clear forests for rice cultivation.

The country's move towards self-sufficiency in rice production marks a shift away from deforestation for agriculture. However, this decision leaves large-scale food and energy projects already underway in Papua and Kalimantan uncertain about their future. The government's lack of clarity on the status of these existing initiatives could lead to confusion among investors and local communities.

The announcement means that new rice cultivation projects will not be approved in forest areas, but it does not address ongoing projects.

Long-term vulnerability remains as deforestation for other purposes continues, threatening biodiversity and carbon storage. The ecological degradation from past and potentially future projects could exacerbate climate risks.

What is the long-term climate outlook for this region?

The decision to halt rice cultivation in forests may slow deforestation but does not address other drivers of forest loss. This partial victory for conservation efforts leaves significant ecological and climatic challenges unresolved, particularly regarding carbon emissions and biodiversity loss.

Partial progress on deforestation fails to fully mitigate climate risks.