Jakarta (TheInsiderStories) - Indonesian government is planning to impose a moratorium on palm oil and mining concessions in a number of provinces in Indonesia, Antara newswire reported.
“I have told the Minister of Environment. Previously we had a moratorium on peat land. Now we are preparing for a moratorium on palm oil,” said Jokowi while giving direction to the declaration to the National Wild Plants and Animals Salvation Movement on Karya Island, Seribu Islands on Thursday.
The President said palm oils problems lie in its production time, which takes too long because farmers are not using superior quality seeds. In addition, the late rejuvenation of palm oil trees is also another problem.
“Palm oil seeds used by farmers are mostly not selected properly, if it can be done then it will improve the quality,” said the President regarding palm oil productivity affecting land use.
The president also said that entrepreneurs and smallholders will not be allowed to request land for palm oil concessions. According to the President, the government is also planning to declare a moratorium on mining areas.
“No more clashes related to mining concessions with forest conservation, there should be no more such thing,” said President Jokowi.
Jokowi also said the government will control the spatial planning for the mining sector to keep the order of the forest concession that has been set.
Indonesia was a country rich in biodiversity and home to the world’s third largest forest area, which made it the lung of the world, Jokowi said, calling on all parties to protect the environment.
In reaction to global expectations for Indonesia to maintain its natural wealth, the government has launched a nationwide initiative to preserve wild plants and animals.
The preservation of nature was not merely about planting trees, but should be seen as a preservation of the whole ecosystem, including all the species of plants and wildlife, the President stressed.
International Day of Forests on March 21 aims to raise awareness on the importance of forests and trees. Based on a 2012 UN resolution, member countries are expected to promote the important role of forests and trees.