South Korea Faces Backlash Over Indonesian Wood Pellet Imports

South Korea Faces Backlash Over Indonesian Wood Pellet Imports \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ A South Korean lawmaker has called for a halt to wood pellet imports from Indonesia after evidence linked them to large-scale deforestation. Over 3,000 hectares of forest have been cleared for biomass production, sparking demands for stricter import regulations and raising concerns about the environmental cost of renewable energy policies.

South Korea’s Biomass Imports Linked to Deforestation: Quick Looks

• Deforestation Concerns: Over 3,000 hectares of Indonesian forest cleared since 2021 for biomass.
• Rising Imports: South Korea’s imports of Indonesian wood pellets surged from 50 to 68,000 tons by 2023.
• Call for Action: Lawmaker Moon Dae-Lim urges a moratorium on imports and an environmental investigation.
• Industry Defense: Indonesian exporter claims compliance with legal and sustainability standards.
• NGO Support: Activists praise Moon’s report as pivotal for South Korea’s energy accountability.
• Government Stance: Korean officials cite diplomatic concerns, awaiting further data from Indonesia.

Deep Look

South Korea’s Biomass Industry Scrutinized for Indonesian Deforestation Links

South Korea’s reliance on biomass as a renewable energy source is under fire after government data and satellite analysis linked its wood pellet imports from Indonesia to extensive deforestation. The controversy has prompted calls from lawmakers and environmental groups for a halt to imports and stricter regulations.

Rising Biomass Imports

Biomass, derived from organic materials such as plants and wood, has gained popularity as an alternative energy source. In South Korea, bioenergy is the second-largest source of renewable energy, with over 80% of its raw material — energy-dense wood pellets — sourced from imports.

Indonesia has become a major supplier, with exports to South Korea skyrocketing from 50 tons in 2021 to over 68,000 tons in 2023. However, a troubling report has emerged, linking these imports to deforestation in Indonesia’s tropical forests.

Evidence of Environmental Damage

According to satellite analysis by environmental group Mighty Earth, over 3,000 hectares (7,410 acres) of pristine forest have been cleared in Gorontalo Province, Indonesia, since 2021. An additional 2,850 hectares (7,040 acres) were destroyed to construct logging roads.

The primary culprit, researchers say, is wood pellet production by Biomasa Jaya Abadi, Indonesia’s largest wood pellet exporter from 2021-2023. The company operates near concessions owned by Banyan Tumbuh Lestari, where much of the deforestation occurred.

Calls for a Moratorium

Lawmaker Moon Dae-Lim of South Korea’s Democratic Party has called for immediate action. “We should stop imports of wood pellets… and investigate exactly what kinds of environmental destruction is occurring on the spot,” Moon stated in a report published in October. He emphasized the need for sustainable energy supply chains and urged the government to reevaluate its subsidy policies for biomass.

Moon argued that blocking imports from companies linked to deforestation could significantly curb environmental damage. He also noted the potential for South Korea to send a strong sustainability message to Indonesia and other exporters in Asia.

Industry Defense

In response, Biomasa Jaya Abadi defended its operations, stating it complies with Indonesian laws and reforestation efforts. “The company’s wood pellet ecosystem has rigorous legality, traceability, and compliance procedures,” a spokesperson said via email.

However, activists question the effectiveness of these measures. “Legal compliance doesn’t necessarily equal sustainability,” said Hansae Song, program lead at Solutions for Our Climate, a South Korean NGO. Song praised Moon’s inquiries, calling them a “pivotal moment” for holding South Korea accountable for the global environmental impact of its energy policies.

Government Balancing Act

The Korea Forest Service, which oversees forestry-related imports, confirmed that the wood pellets from Indonesia were produced legally. However, it cited concerns about potential diplomatic and trade disputes should unilateral action be taken against Indonesian exports.

“Each country has rights to govern itself in line with its economic and environmental policies,” the Korea Forest Service said. It has requested additional data from Indonesia but noted delays due to a recent restructuring of the Indonesian government’s environment and forestry ministries.

Broader Implications

This controversy highlights the challenges of balancing renewable energy goals with global environmental sustainability. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has emphasized the need for biomass demand to be met through sustainable practices, such as using waste materials and crop residues instead of converting forestland.

South Korea’s heavy reliance on imported wood pellets places it at the center of a growing debate over climate justice. Environmental groups argue that South Korea’s biomass policies disproportionately harm vulnerable ecosystems and communities in countries like Indonesia.

Next Steps

Moon’s call for a moratorium and stricter oversight has amplified pressure on South Korea’s government to reassess its biomass strategy. While officials await further information from Indonesia, activists continue to demand concrete action to prevent further deforestation and ensure truly sustainable energy practices.

The resolution of this issue may shape not only South Korea’s renewable energy policies but also global standards for sustainable biomass production.

More on World News

South Korea Faces South Korea Faces