A Year Towards Election, Deforestation Rates Always Increased
Faculty of Economy and Management (FEM) Bogor Acgricultural University (IPB) collaborated with University of Gottingen Germany and international research institution EFForTs held guest-lecture with theme “FEM Talks on Science and Policy”. This guest lecture was held at Assembly Room of FEM IPB, IPB Dramaga Campus, Bogor (5/10). This activity invited Prof. Krisztina Kis-Katos dan Dr. Elias Cisneros, researchers from University of Gottingen, Germany. They delivered a lecture with theme “Political Deforestation Cycles in Indonesia”. This event was also attended by Dr. Haris Gunawan who is also Deputy IV – Research and Development of Peatland Restoration Agency Republic of Indonesia.
In this occasion, Prof. Krisztina Kis-Kator present the result of her research which was conducted in Jambi Province. “After we conducted research in some regencies and cities in Jambi about the relation between the happening deforestation with election of Local Government (Pilkada), we found a fascinating phenomenon, a year toward Pilkada is always followed by the increasing of deforestation rates, especially in the regions which its local agricultural products only rely on one or two products,” revealed Prof. Krisztina.
Meanwhile, Dr. Haris Gunawan conveyed his interest on that research, especially if it is associated with peatland restoration. According to him, development of this research is needed for Indonesia’s future. “Perhaps it will be very relevant when this research is developed to the direction of peatland restoration and forest fires problem solving,” said dr. Haris Gunawan responded the explanation from Prof. Krisztina Kis-Katos.
Other than that, Prof. Dr. Ir. Manuntun Parulian Hutagaol, one of IPB’s Permanent Professors, also stated his insight in this guest-lecture. According to him, agricultural products are not the only cause of deforestation, but there are many other factors such as mining, housing, and other land conversion which affect deforestation. “So, this research need to be deepened again to confirm the linkages between Local Government Election with deforestation,” he said. (qa)
