The Indonesian Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, has revealed a significant reduction in deforestation across the nation this year compared to the previous period. This positive development was shared during a working meeting with Commission IV of the House of Representatives (DPR) on Thursday, December 4th, where discussions also encompassed recent natural disasters impacting Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. Raja Juli Antoni stated, “Regarding the state of our forest deforestation, by September 2025 – and I emphasize, until September, as we will re-measure at the end of December – Indonesia’s deforestation has decreased by 49,700 hectares compared to 2024. This represents a substantial decline of 23.01%.”
The Minister further elaborated that this overall decrease in forest deforestation encompasses three provinces recently affected by severe flooding and landslides: Aceh, North Sumatra (Sumut), and West Sumatra (Sumbar). Specifically, deforestation in Aceh saw a reduction of 10.04%, while North Sumatra experienced a decrease of 13.98%, and West Sumatra recorded a 14% decline when compared to 2024 figures. This data underscores the ongoing efforts to preserve Indonesian forests, even in areas prone to environmental challenges.
Amidst this progress, Raja Juli Antoni also addressed the underlying causes of the severe flood disasters in these regions, attributing them to a confluence of three critical factors. Firstly, he pointed to the presence of “senyar tropical cycles” leading to extreme weather conditions and exceptionally high rainfall. Secondly, the Minister highlighted the detrimental role of the geomorphology of river basin areas (DAS). Finally, a crucial contributing factor identified was the significant damage to water catchment areas (DTA), which compromises their ability to absorb and regulate water flow, thereby exacerbating the impact of heavy precipitation.
Summary
Indonesian Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, reported a substantial 23.01% decrease in national deforestation by September 2025, amounting to 49,700 hectares less compared to 2024. This positive development was shared during a working meeting with Commission IV of the House of Representatives. The reduction also encompasses provinces recently affected by disasters, with Aceh seeing a 10.04% decrease, North Sumatra 13.98%, and West Sumatra 14% compared to 2024 figures.
Amidst this progress, Minister Antoni also identified three primary causes for severe flood disasters in these regions. These include “senyar tropical cycles” leading to extreme weather and high rainfall, the detrimental geomorphology of river basin areas (DAS), and significant damage to water catchment areas (DTA). These factors collectively compromise water absorption, exacerbating the impact of heavy precipitation.