The Dire State of Indonesia’s Rainforest: Uncovering RGE’s Hidden Deforestation and Control Over New Pulp Mill

Report Exposes RGE Group’s Involvement in Deforestation in Indonesia

A new investigative report, “Pulping Borneo,” was released co-published by five organizations, including Greenpeace International. The report details how the Royal Golden Eagle (RGE) Group, the world’s largest viscose producer and paper products company, is still relying on deforestation in its supply chain despite making a high-profile commitment to “No-Deforestation.” The report also reveals that the RGE Group controls a mega-scale pulp mill currently under construction in northeastern Kalimantan, putting some of the world’s largest remaining rainforests at risk.

Deforestation in RGE Group Supply Chain

Despite the RGE Group’s promises to eliminate deforestation in its supply chain, evidence presented in the report shows that RGE-linked companies APRIL, Sateri, Asia Pacific Rayon, and Asia Symbol have not kept this promise. The Pulping Borneo report reveals that Asia Symbol, RGE‘s pulp mill in China, used wood from companies that recently cleared large tracts of tropical rainforest in Kalimantan, Indonesia. The report shows that the rainforest, before it was destroyed, was the habitat of endangered Bornean orangutans. The investigative report obtained evidence through analysis of satellite imagery, review of data on export, vessel tracking, and supplier disclosure.

Philosophical Discussion

The report’s findings are a reminder of the dangers of the corporate-controlled global supply chain and how profit and sustainability do not always go hand in hand. The report’s authors stated that “RGE‘s role in forest destruction is only made possible by those bankrolling and excusing their destructive practices.” Deforestation can have severe environmental and social consequences, including loss of biodiversity, climate change, and conflict with Indigenous communities. However, companies and financial institutions are still complicit in it by turning a blind eye to the deforestation generated by their business.

Editorial and Advice

The RGE Group and its subsidiaries’ commitment to “No-Deforestation” is merely a PR move if their supply chain is still linked to deforestation. Consumers can make more informed choices by researching the companies they buy their products from and choosing products from companies with sustainable practices. Financial institutions that bankroll RGE and other companies with links to deforestation should divest from them to send a strong message that deforestation is not acceptable. Governments should ensure that companies operating within their jurisdiction adhere to sustainable practices to limit deforestation. It’s high time to take action to protect our environment and the endangered species that inhabit them. We cannot afford to continue down the destructive path of deforestation.

Rainforest Deforestation.-Indonesia,Rainforest,Deforestation,RGE,PulpMill.