Human Impact of the Ecosystem

Unfortunately, Indonesia’s rainforests have one of the highest rates of deforestation in the world. Due to the increasing demand for commodities such as palm oil, pulp, paper, and plywood, the rainforests have been dealing with rapid clearcutting, estimating over a million-2.8 million hectares lost annually. (2) The lands are rapidly being demolished due to the struggle between small-scale farmers seeking to support their families and livelihoods and international corporations who desire the goods, commodities and services that the rainforests provide.


Source: CNN

The rampant deforestation has already led to the loss of over an estimated 72% of the original clearing (2). The techniques implemented to clear the forests have led to high emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, as well as an increase in greenhouse emission due to the deforestation. Furthermore, the smoke from the slash-and-burn technique, has led to heavy pollution, with the heavy smoke often shutting down regional traffic, inducing public health alerts, and interfering with city life. The palm oil plantations and factories located near the rainforests have further damaged the territory with its usage of pesticides and factory run-off.