Japan’s biomass energy boom threatens further deforestation in Indonesia
Indonesia's wood pellet and chip production is surging, leading to deforestation that imperils the country's tropical forests, biodiversity hotspots, and Indigenous lands, according to new satellite analysis by environmental NGOs. The biomass power industry, primarily fueled by burning wood, is emerging as a new driver of deforestation in Indonesia.
Most of this biomass product is exported, with Japan being the largest destination. Japan's demand for Indonesian wood pellets has skyrocketed, with imports reaching a record 8.64 million tons in 2025, up 35% from 2024. Over 500% surge in wood pellet imports from Indonesia, from 66,460 tons in 2023 to 402,310 tons in 2025. Environmentalists and scientists warn that continued international demand and weak domestic regulation will accelerate deforestation.
Burning biomass can emit more carbon than coal, and tree-cutting reduces forests' ability to absorb carbon, threatening wildlife and Indigenous communities.
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