Glenn 1
From Innovation to Villain
Palm oil is one of the most produced and consumed oils in the world. Palm oils are
cheap, efficient to produce, and can be used for a variety of purposes, including food, cosmetic
and hygiene products, and can be used as a source of biofuels or biodiesel. Indonesia and
Malaysia dominate global palm oil production. These two countries account for approximately
85 to 90 percent of total global palm oil production (“Palm Oil,” n.d.). With an annual
production of 36 million metric tons, Indonesia is the world's largest producer and exporter of
palm oil. In the long term, global demand for palm oil shows an increasing trend in line as the
world's population grows. This results to rising consumption of food and cosmetic products
that contain some sort of material that is derived from palm oil. This appears to be a good thing
because palm oil exports can help the Indonesian economy grow. However, apart from being
the largest producer of palm oil, Indonesia is also the largest greenhouse gas emitter after China
and the United States (“Palm Oil,” n.d.). Although oil palm cultivation appears to be beneficial
to Indonesia's economic growth, it harms the surrounding environment. This essay will focus
on the issue of forest conversion to oil palm plantations in Indonesia.
To begin with, the expansion of oil palm plantations places significant pressure on
forests. In the journal “Slowing deforestation in Indonesia follows declining oil palm expansion
and lower oil prices,“ Gaveau et. al. (2022) claims that deforestation in Indonesia is primarily
caused by oil palm plantations. The area mapped under oil palm has doubled in nineteen years,
reaching 16.24 Mha in 2019 (Gaveau et. al., 2022). Furthermore, the journal explains that
deforestation caused by oil palm plantations has recently increased dramatically. Recently, the
global demand for palm oil has increased and the selling price of palm oil has also increased.
As a result, many businesses and small stakeholders see this as an opportunity to expand their
businesses. They are constantly converting the forest to become an oil palm plantation.
Glenn 2
According to Gaveau et. al. (2022), taken over a longer period, oil palm plantations were only
responsible for 15% of the deforestation that occurred in Kalimantan, Indonesia, between 1972
and 2015 (Gaveau et. al., 2022). On the other hand, oil palm plantations were responsible for
roughly 40% of deforestation in Kalimantan, Indonesia, between 2000 and 2017. This
demonstrates that forest conversion to oil palm plantations has been rampant in recent years.
Companies and small stakeholders exploit natural resources to the maximum extent possible
while ignoring environmental concerns. Gaveau et. al. (2022) found the following:
Industrial plantations expanded faster than smallholder plantations (6.19 Mha added vs
2.28 Mha) and caused almost three times as much forest conversion (2.13 Mha vs 0.72
Mha). Our data show that expansion of plantations directly replaced 29%-32% of the
total forest. Area lost between 2001 and 2019. We conclude that oil palm was
responsible for one-third of Indonesia’s loss of old-growth forests over the last two
decades. (p. 11-12)
Furthermore, the government was unconcerned about the situation. They are unaware of the
amount of forest that has been lost as a result of land clearing for oil palm plantations. In
comparison to other businesses, oil palm plantations are a major contributor to deforestation.
For example, according to Gaveau et. al. (2022), the paper and pulp industry are only
responsible for less than 10% of all deforestation in Indonesia. The main factor of deforestation
in other countries may be land clearing for settlements or because of the paper industry.
However, in Indonesia, one of the main factors causing deforestation is oil palm plantations.
This journal uses logos to argue that expansion of oil palm plantations causes massive
deforestation in Indonesia. Gaveau et al. base their claim on data and studies they conducted.
They discussed several pieces of evidence to back up their claim, not just one. In addition to
explaining that deforestation was caused by oil palm plantations, they also explained that the
deforestation rate had also increased drastically. Furthermore, the author also uses comparisons
Glenn 3
with other industries that cause deforestation as well. Overall, the article contains a great deal
of studies and evidence supporting its claims. Based on the data and explanations presented by
the authors, it is clear that oil palm plantations have a significant impact on deforestation in
Indonesia.
The problem of deforestation that occurs is also related to forest fires. In the article
“The global demand for palm oil is driving the fires in Indonesia,“ Schalanger (2019) states
that 80% of the fires in Indonesia are being set to clear land for palm oil plantations. Burning
is a common method for clearing vegetation in natural forests as well as plantations. According
to Jong (2021), the fires had scorched 353,222 hectares of land by the end of November 2021,
an area twice the size of London. This is an increase of over 16% above the 296,942 hectares
burned in 2020. Forest fires are caused by various reasons. Many Indonesian people think that
forest fires in Indonesia are caused by hot weather since Indonesia has a tropical environment.
This isn't completely accurate. In fact, many forest fires in Indonesia are also caused by human
activities, such as the palm oil plantations mentioned in the article. Forest fires are most
common in Sumatra and Kalimantan, where oil palm plantations are particularly common as
well. Is this a coincidence? Forest fires for oil palm plantations can also become out of control
due to hot and dry weather. For example, in 2019, there were catastrophic forest fires in
Indonesia as a result of uncontrolled burning of forests for oil palm due to weather conditions.
Forest fires in Indonesia throughout 2019 released as much as 709 million tons of carbon
dioxide into the air (Priyambodo, 2019). This amount is equivalent to Canada's annual carbon
dioxide emissions. This number is 22% higher than the carbon dioxide emissions caused by
forest fires in the Amazon. Priyambodo (2022) claims deforestation fires in Indonesia
contributed for 7% of total global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2019 and 2020.
Furthermore, the government has yet to respond forcefully to this issue. Despite the fact that
the government has enacted regulations against forest fire, the government doesn't strictly
Glenn 4
enforce the rules. According to Greenpeace Southeast Asia (2019), only two of many palm
companies with the most land burned in their concessions between 2015 and 2018 faced
substantial legal and administrative penalties. Many greenhouse gases are produced due to
forests that are burned for oil palm plantations. Schalanger uses logos to explain his claims.
The author's claim is well-formed because he uses an example of a real event, in this case the
uncontrolled forest fires caused by the opening of oil palm plantations in 2019, which
contributed a significant amount of carbon dioxide gas. By using examples that have happened
before, it makes the claims made by the author more understandable to readers. Furthermore,
his evidence and explanations are consistent with those in other articles. Overall, the article
presents a good argument.
Oil palm cultivation not only pollutes the air, but it also pollutes the water and soil. In
the article “Toxic river: the fight to reclaim water from oil palm plantations in Indonesia,“
Ecoton et. al. states that water and soil around oil palm plantations become contaminated.
Chemical pesticides and fertilizers used in oil palm cultivation can pollute water and soil.
Springs near oil palm plantations are contaminated by fertilizers, waste processing, or materials
found in natural resources that are extracted during the extraction process (Ecoton et. al., 2020).
Furthermore, oil palm plantations necessitate a large amount of water. The high consumption
of water by the palm oil industry in every production process makes water difficult to obtain
by local people who live nearby. In addition, mass destruction of upstream water sources due
to forest clearing for plantations also contributes to pollution. As a result, it is difficult for
residents living near oil palm plantations to obtain safe drinking water. Not only water, but the
soil is also damaged due to oil palm planting. Land clearing for extractive industries like oil
palm plantations has reduced the soil's ability to absorb rainwater, resulting in flooding around
plantation areas. The chemicals used also dry out and pollute the soil. People in the area could
previously live in prosperity because the forest had not been converted. There was plenty of
Glenn 5
clean water and loose soil. People did not need to be concerned about the lack of clean water
because the environment had not been harmed. However, since the conversion of the forest to
oil palm plantations, the local people have struggled to obtain clean water. Communities in two
West Borneo districts, Ketapang and Sambas, have also reported water contamination in their
rivers and water sources as a result of the heavy use of fertilizer and pesticides within the
plantations (Ecoton et al., 2020). This article uses the pathos to argue that oil palm plantations
harm the surrounding land and water, making it difficult for people living in the area to access
clean water. Ecoton et al. illustrates how the conversion of forests to oil palm plantations has
made it difficult for local residents to obtain clean water. Furthermore, Ecaton et. al. also uses
logos to strengthen their claim. This article does not only describe the negative impact of oil
palm plantation that makes it difficult for people living there to obtain clean water, but it also
explains the cause. Using these two methods, this article is able to clearly present its claim to
the readers about the impact of oil palm plantations on water and soil pollution, which has an
impact on the surrounding community.
In addition, forest conversion results in the loss of critical habitat for endangered
species. Indonesia is home to a wide variety of animals and plants. The forests of Indonesia are
rich in biodiversity. According to Rintelen et. al. (2017), Indonesia's forests are home to 10%
of the world's flowering plant species, 12% of the world's animals, 16% of the world's reptiles,
and 17% of the world's total bird species. Many of them are endangered species. In the article
“Endangered species threatened by unsustainable palm oil production,” WWF (n.d.) claims
that conversion of tropical forests to oil palm plantations on a large scale has a detrimental
impact on many plant and animal species. Habitat that is destroyed often contains rare and
endangered species. Sumatran tigers and orangutans are just two of the many endangered
animals in Indonesia that depend on their forest habitat for survival. There are only about 80000
orangutans and less than 400 Sumatran tigers left in the wild (WWF, n.d.). As their habitats are
Glenn 6
increasingly encroached and destroyed, their numbers will decrease and eventually result in
these animals, at best, living only in captivity in the future. Furthermore, not only ordinary
forests, but national parks are also severely impacted. Tesso Nilo National Park in Sumatra,
established to provide habitat for the endangered Sumatran Tiger, has now been overrun with
illegal oil palm cultivation. Illegal palm oil plantations have taken over 43 percent of the park
(WWF, n.d.). Conversion of forests to oil palm plantations will threaten the extinction of many
animal and plant species due to the loss of their habitat. This article explains its claim using
logos and pathos. WWF employs data and statistics on animals that are on the verge of
extinction as a result of forest conversion to oil palm plantations. Not only that, but WWF also
describes how oil palm plantations caused massive deforestation, affecting even national parks.
WWF also employs the pathos method, stating that if this issue is not addressed, various animal
species will become extinct or will only be able to live in captivity in the future. Overall, this
article effectively presents the argument and employs the appropriate method to convey the
claim.
Forest conversion not only harms animals and plants, but it also violates the rights of
indigenous peoples who have lost their traditional forests and livelihoods. In the article
“Indonesia: Indigenous peoples losing their forests,” Human Rights Watch (2019) claims that
the conversion of forests into oil palm plantations also makes the people who live there
miserable. Greedy corporations have taken over indigenous peoples' rights to forests,
livelihoods, food, water, and culture. People who are irresponsible have destroyed the forest
where they make a living. Indonesia's indigenous peoples have suffered significant losses since
losing their forest to oil palm plantations. Many Anak Dalam tribe in Jambi Province are now
homeless, living in plastic tents, without livelihood support. Several Anak Dalam people
claimed they were able to support themselves but now they have to be a beggar or steal oil
palm fruit for living (Human Rights Watch, 2019). Many of them are now living in extreme
Glenn 7
poverty. In 2017, there were over 650 land-related conflicts affecting over 650,000 households,
and in 2018, there were approximately 410 conflicts affecting 87,568 households (Human
Rights Watch, 2019). Moreover, government policies regarding forest conversion appear to be
unfair. The policies enacted benefit only the company while oppressing the local people. All
the regulations made were not strictly enforced. The oil palm plantation company did not
consult with the affected locals until the forest had been severely damaged (Human Rights
Watch, 2019). They were not fined or penalized as a result of their actions. The Indonesian
government has created a system that facilitates the seizure of customary land rights.
Conversion of forests to oil palm plantations deprives locals of their rights and makes them
miserable. Human Rights Watch explains their points through logos and pathos. They use data
and statistics on how many conflicts and problems arise in the community due to the conversion
of forests into oil palm plantations, in this case the Anak Dalam tribe in Jambi province. They
also use comparison on Anak Dalam life before and after forest conversion. With much
evidence presented, Human Rights Watch explains this claim very well. Furthermore, Human
Rights Watch also provides an overview of how the lives of children in today's life have
become miserable. People are forced to give up their jobs and live as beggars. With the use of
ethos and pathos, this resource is versatile and brings out a plethora of facts in a short text
without being too scattered.
In conclusion, most articles and journal cited in this essay conclude that the conversion
of forests to oil palm plantations clearly has a negative impact on the environment, animals,
and humans. On the one hand, palm oil was initially viewed as an innovation that could help
protect the environment. Unlike fossil fuel, it produces less smoke and gas emissions. Palm oil
is also a renewable energy unlike fossil fuel. It also has the advantage of being inexpensive and
simple to produce. In Indonesia, it has a huge impact on the economy. The palm oil industry is
able to employ at least 16 million people. In addition, it contributes approximately 13.50
Glenn 8
percent of non-oil and gas exports and 3.50 percent of Indonesia's gross domestic product each
year (GDP) (Herman, 2021). However, as the production of palm oil grows, so does the
environmental damage. People are competing to produce as much palm oil as possible.
Deforestation happens everywhere in Indonesia. Oil palm plantations are responsible for onethird of Indonesia's deforestation. Forest fires for deforestation are also often occur to create
oil palm plantations. As a result, a large amount of gas emissions is released into the
atmosphere, worsening global warming. The surrounding water and soil become polluted as
well. Increasingly degraded forests threaten the existence of many species of animals and
plants. In addition, oil palm plantations deprive locals of their rights. Palm oil which was
originally created to be beneficial for the environment has turned into something that harms it.
However, this does not mean that forest conversion for socio-economic activities that are
beneficial to the community cannot be done. This only emphasizes that forest conversion must
be considered. Any activity that alters the function of the forest must be done in accordance
with activities that keep the forest ecosystem within certain limits. All of the sources cited in
this essay have succeeded in explaining and presenting an overview of the negative effects of
forest conversion into oil palm plantations in Indonesia by employing logos and pathos.
Glenn 9
Works Cited
Arifin, B. (2022, January 3). Opini: Harapan industry sawit pada 2022 [Opinion: Palm Oil
Industry Expectations in 2022]. Bisnis.com. Retrieved May 16, 2022, from
https://ekonomi.bisnis.com/read/20220103/9/1484620/opini-harapan-industri-sawitpada-2022
Ecoton, Gemawan, Grain, Kruha. (2020, 4 December). Toxic river: the fight to reclaim water
from oil palm plantations in Indonesia. Grain. Retrieved May 18, 2022, from
https://grain.org/en/article/6578-toxic-river-the-fight-to-reclaim-water-from-oil-palmplantations-in-indonesia
Emisi karbon kebakaran hutan di Indonesia lebih parah dibanding Hutan Amazon [Indonesia's
forest fires carbon emissions are worse than the Amazon Forest]. Made for Mind.
Retrieved May 17, 2022, from https://www.dw.com/id/emisi-karbon-kebakaran-hutandi-indonesia-lebih-parah-dibanding-hutan-amazon/a-51432310
Gaveau, D. L. A., Locatelli, B., Salim, M. A., Manurung, H. T., Descals, A., Anglesen, A.,
Meijaard, E., Sheil, D. (2022). Slowing deforestation in Indonesia follows declining oil
palm expansion and lower oil prices. PLOS ONE, 17(3), 1-19.
Greenpeace Southeast Asia. (2019, September 24). Indonesian forest fires crisis: Palm oil and
pulp companies with largest burned land areas are going unpunished. Greenpeace.
Retrieved
May
17,
2022,
from
https://www.greenpeace.org/southeastasia/publication/3106/3106/
Herman. (2021, November 17). Industri kelapa sawit jadi tulang punggung ekonomi Indonesia
[The palm oil industry becomes the backbone of Indonesia's economy]. Berita Satu.
Glenn 10
Retrieved May 16, 2022, from https://www.beritasatu.com/ekonomi/855085/industrikelapa-sawit-jadi-tulang-punggung-ekonomi-indonesia
Human Rights Watch. (2019, September 22). Indonesia: Indigenous peoples losing their forests.
Retrieved May 17, 2022, from https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/09/22/indonesiaindigenous-peoples-losing-their-forests
Jong, H. N. (2021, December 29). Indonesia’s new epicenter of forest fires shifts away from
Sumatra
and
Borneo.
Mongabay.
Retrieved
May
17,
2022,
from
https://news.mongabay.com/2021/12/indonesias-new-epicenter-of-forest-fires-shiftsaway-from-sumatra-andborneo/#:~:text=As%20of%20the%20end%20of,Ministry%20of%20Environment%20a
nd%20Forestry.
Palm Oil. (n.d.). Indonesia-Investment. Retrieved May 16, 2022, from https://www.indonesiainvestments.com/business/commodities/palm-oil/item166
Peran sawit ke ekonomi RI belum tergantikan [The role of palm oil in the Indonesian economy
has not been replaced]. Astra Agro Lestari. Retrieved May 16, 2022, from
https://www.astra-agro.co.id/2021/09/04/peran-sawit-ke-ekonomi-ri-belumtergantikan/#:~:text=Industri%20sawit%20mampu%20menyerap%20sedikitnya,domest
ik%20bruto%20(PDB)%20Indonesia.
Priyambodo, U. Kebakaran deforestasi Indonesia sumbang 7% emisi gas rumah kaca dunia
[Indonesia's deforestation fires contribute to 7% of global greenhouse gas emissions].
National
Geographic
Indonesia.
Retrieved
May
17,
2022,
from
https://nationalgeographic.grid.id/read/133134323/kebakaran-deforestasi-indonesiasumbang-7-emisi-gas-rumah-kaca-dunia?page=all
Glenn 11
Rintelen, K., Aride, V., Häuser, C. (2017). A review of biodiversity-related issues and challenges
in megadiverse Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries. Research Ideas and
Outcomes, 3(e20860), 1-16.
Schalanger, Z. (2019, September 18). The global demand for palm oil is driving the fires in
Indonesia. QUARTZ. Retrieved May 17, 2022, from https://qz.com/1711172/the-globaldemand-for-palm-oil-is-driving-the-fires-in-indonesia/
Yani, A. (2020). Feasibility assessment of converting forest into palm oil plantation and its
implication for forest policy and palm oil sustainability challenges: A case study in
Melawi regency of West Kalimantan province, Indonesia. Frontiers in Sustainable Food
Systems, 4(521270), 1-9.