Gorontalo Highlights Indonesia's Forest Governance Amid Deforestation

KBRN, Jakarta: Amid growing global concern over deforestation in Indonesia, Gorontalo Province on Sulawesi Island is emerging as a key example of how sustainable forest governance and the biomass industry can move forward together.

According to official data received by RRI VOI on Sunday (11/9/2025), Gorontalo now accounts for around 29.96 percent of Indonesia’s total wood pellet production. The growth of this industry is part of Indonesia’s broader effort to expand renewable energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Figures from Indonesia’s forest authority show that national wood pellet production reached 333,971 cubic meters in 2024, nearly three times higher than the 103,356 cubic meters recorded in 2020. The sector currently operates 35 wood pellet plants with a total licensed capacity of 3.18 million cubic meters per year.

At the heart of this governance model lies the Timber Legality and Sustainability Verification System (SVLK). The system requires all forestry products to come from legal and sustainable sources, particularly from Industrial Forest Plantations (HTI), and not from the clearing of natural forests. Director of Forest Product Processing and Marketing, Erwan Sudaryanto, emphasized that SVLK provides both a strong legal foundation and independent auditing to ensure compliance.

“SVLK ensures every forest product harvested, transported, and traded in Indonesia is legal and sustainable under national law. It has a strong legal basis, independent auditing, and global recognition,” Erwan said during a focus group discussion held in Jakarta, Wednesday (11/5/2025).

International markets such as Japan, South Korea, and the European Union are increasingly demanding proof of legality and sustainability before accepting biomass imports. This requirement places Indonesia (and especially Gorontalo) at a strategic advantage in the global green energy supply chain.

Observers note that the Gorontalo case shows how forest-based industries can coexist with conservation goals. Indonesia has identified more than 10.36 million hectares of potential land for industrial forest and energy-crop development, suggesting strong opportunities for growth without reducing forest cover.

Although the term deforestation Gorontalo often appears in public discussions, experts highlight the need for context. Current governance and certification systems indicate that the province’s activities are focused on sustainable management rather than uncontrolled forest clearing.