The Dark Side of Biomass: Indigenous Struggles in Indonesia
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Understanding Biomass Energy
The term "biomass energy" refers to the utilization of plants' natural ability to capture carbon to generate low-carbon or potentially carbon-neutral power. Through the process of photosynthesis, plants absorb water, carbon dioxide, and sunlight to produce carbon-rich sugars and oxygen. While a portion of this sugar fuels the plant, the remainder is transformed into organic polymers, forming the plant's structure. This is why some assert that wood is derived from air, as its fibers utilize carbon taken from the atmosphere.
By substituting fossil fuels with biomass, such as wood, power generation theoretically becomes carbon-neutral, since the carbon released during combustion originates from the atmosphere rather than fossil sources. This approach appears particularly attractive for nations with limited budgets for transitioning to clean energy. Countries can continue operating existing coal plants by simply switching to biomass fuel, achieving a cost-effective, low-carbon energy solution.
However, transitioning from coal to biomass requires significant investments to establish plantations, transport systems, and necessary infrastructure, alongside training staff. In Indonesia, the conglomerate Medco emerged in the 2000s to create biomass power plants, receiving substantial funding from Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (SMI) and the Indonesian Environment Fund (IEF). Medco acquired the rights to deforest 170,000 hectares of rainforest for biofuel production and has already converted a significant portion into plantations, with plans to expand further.
The Cost of Deforestation
The serious issue arises from the overlap of Medco's deforestation activities with the ancestral lands of the Marind people in Zanegi village. This indigenous community relies heavily on their environment for sustenance. In the early 2000s, warnings about the dire consequences of deforestation on these lands were clear, prompting Medco to sign a 2009 agreement to safeguard culturally significant sites and provide employment to the Marind people.
Despite these promises, Medco's actions tell a different story. The expansion of deforestation has encroached upon vital hunting grounds, making traditional food sources scarce. Although Medco initially hired Marind workers, many were later dismissed due to financial losses, replaced by third-party contractors. The villagers now have to travel up to 15 kilometers to find food, often returning empty-handed.
Tragically, this situation has resulted in severe malnutrition among the community. Since 2012, nine malnourished children have died in Zanegi, and health assessments have revealed alarming rates of stunted growth and chronic energy deficiency among pregnant women.
The Environmental Toll
The destruction extends beyond human suffering; Indonesia faces one of the highest deforestation rates globally, with only about half of its original rainforest remaining. These forests are crucial for biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. The ongoing deforestation by Medco, alongside the Marind people's struggles, indicates a critical ecological crisis.
As for the energy produced, biomass power is not as clean as it seems. It generates harmful emissions, including particulates, carbon monoxide, and heavy metals, which pose risks to both ecosystems and human health. Even if Medco's actions didn't lead to the decimation of indigenous communities, the environmental impact of their biomass power plants would still be detrimental.
In response to criticism, Medco claimed that their operations do not contribute to malnutrition and that community food sources remain intact—a statement many view as profoundly disconnected from reality. This situation highlights a crucial truth: the label of "green" does not guarantee sustainability or ethical practices. To genuinely support global environmental goals, developed nations must assist in establishing truly sustainable infrastructures in countries like Indonesia.
Filmmaker Mariah Wilson | Promo | Silent Forests - YouTube
The pressing issues surrounding biomass energy and its repercussions on indigenous communities underline the need for a comprehensive understanding of what constitutes truly sustainable practices. Thank you for engaging with this content. Your support is vital for raising awareness about these critical issues. To follow more of this work, connect with me and the Planet Earth And Beyond project on various platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.