Introduction

Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22 since 1970, has raised global awareness about environmental issues. In the Indonesian context, deforestation remains a serious problem with far-reaching impacts on ecosystems. Large-scale deforestation, often driven by infrastructure projects such as the development of the new capital city, Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN), continues to affect Kalimantan and surrounding regions (Shibao, 2015).

While infrastructure development is essential for economic growth, its environmental consequences cannot be overlooked. Deforestation contributes to soil pollution, increases greenhouse gas emissions, accelerates climate change, and negatively affects human well-being (Shibao, 2015). Earth Day serves as a reminder to reflect on how we care for our planet and encourages real action to protect increasingly vulnerable ecosystems.

Data and Facts: Soil Pollution from Land Clearing in Indonesia

The development of Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN) has contributed to 30% of the total 256,000 hectares of deforested land. Prior to construction beginning in 2022, the area had already lost 57% of its forest cover (Kurnia, UGM Press, 2023). Massive deforestation in the region has continued through 2024, as shown by NASA satellite imagery (Pramano, Forest Digest, 2024). Although the IKN Authority claims that the development aligns with ecological balance as mandated by Law No. 3 of 2022 (IKN Authority, 2023), the law has also been criticized for granting investors extensive rights to exploit the land, raising concerns about whether deforestation can truly be minimized and reforestation efforts effectively implemented (BRIN, 2023).

In Sulawesi, the human population has increased nearly fourfold, accompanied by rapid infrastructure development across the island. The growth of several economic sectors has further driven widespread land conversion (Supriatna et al., 2020). In many areas, deforestation and soil pollution are linked to the expansion of oil palm plantations. According to recent data, the provinces with the highest deforestation rates are North Sumatra, East Kalimantan, and North Maluku, with 72% of forest loss in these regions attributed to palm oil cultivation (VOA, 2024).

The Link Between Deforestation and Soil Pollution

Deforestation contributes to soil pollution in several key ways (Emission, 2024):

• Forest clearing releases toxic metals into the soil.
• Deforestation reduces the soil’s ability to absorb mercury.
• Conversion of forests into industrial plantations poses risks to clean water supplies.

The Impacts of Soil Pollution Caused by Deforestation in Indonesia

Soil pollution resulting from deforestation has serious implications, including a recorded increase in Indonesia’s average temperature by 0.07°C (Fatimah & Faradiba, 2021). This temperature rise has led to several significant consequences (Enviliance, 2021):

1. Increased Natural Disasters Deforestation contributes to natural disasters by disrupting vital ecological functions. Healthy forests play a crucial role in filtering water, reducing erosion, regulating rainfall, replenishing groundwater, and buffering the effects of drought and flooding. Coastal forests also provide protection from ocean waves and serve as key breeding grounds for marine life. The loss of forests threatens watershed health and increases the risk of floods and droughts. More frequent and intense forest fires, exacerbated by climate change, pollute water supplies, reduce forest cover, and endanger communities.
2. Food Security Crisis While deforestation may offer short-term economic gains, it often leads to long-term environmental and social disasters. Many communities rely on forest resources for food, medicine, fuel, and income. Deforestation disrupts local weather patterns, leading to drought and desertification, which threaten food production. Food security can be achieved without clearing more forests by integrating sustainable forest resources into agricultural systems to improve productivity while minimizing land conversion.
3. Public Health Risks Deforestation can destroy forest habitats and increase the risk of infectious disease outbreaks, such as COVID-19. Studies also link deforestation to non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, typhoid, and respiratory illnesses. Forests help filter millions of tons of air pollutants each year, significantly reducing cases of acute respiratory conditions like asthma. In the long run, reduced pollution also lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease, lung disease, and lung cancer.

Conclusion

The issues of soil pollution and deforestation are central to the reflection encouraged by World Earth Day. However, this does not mean that infrastructure development should be halted entirely. What is needed is a more sustainable and responsible approach to environmental preservation and the well-being of local communities (Salminah & Wibowo, 2017).

Efforts must focus on prioritizing environmentally friendly development, engaging communities, and enforcing regulations to combat soil pollution, reduce deforestation, and ensure both environmental sustainability and public welfare.