Asia Pulp & Paper backs community-led Indonesian biofuels project

In Indonesia, Asia Pulp & Paperhas announced its support for a new community-led pilot scheme aimed at reducing the use of fossil fuels and increasing the availability of biofuels in Indonesia.

Kemiri Sunan’s high yield of up to 10 tonnes of oil per hectare make it an attractive source of biofuel, with waste used to produce fertilizer, animal feed and biogas The Kemiri Sunan crop is rapidly emerging as a potential source of bio-fuel to supply Indonesia’s biodiesel programme and key export markets for bio-fuels such as the European Union (EU). The trees develop broad canopies and deep root systems, helping to reduce soil erosion and water evaporation, whilst promoting water retention.

If harvested on an industrial scale, the yield could provide a new source of income to farmers in the local community and help to reduce the vulnerability of Indonesia’s forest to fire, degradation and deforestation. The pilot builds on a series of initiatives undertaken and supported by APP in its efforts to promote sustainable development across Indonesia, where the company is based.

The jurisdictionally-based partnership between Asia Pulp & Paper (APP), the Governor of West Kalimantan and the Belantara Foundation will find suitable land to be planted with a community crop through smallholder farmer co-operatives.