Indonesia's Plan to Rezone Way Kambas National Park for Carbon Trading and Tourism Faces Backlash

Indonesia plans to rezone half of Way Kambas National Park for carbon trading and luxury tourism, raising concerns among environmentalists about the potential harm to critically endangered species and the true benefits for local communities. Critics argue the move may undermine conservation efforts, while the government aims to generate revenue for ecosystem restoration. The proposed changes would reduce the park's protected core area significantly while expanding the utilization zone, which could impact wildlife habitats and increase human-wildlife conflict.

Published Mar 20, 2026

The Indonesian government intends to rezone Way Kambas National Park, reducing its protected core area from 59,935 hectares to 27,661 hectares, while expanding the utilization zone from 3,934 hectares to 32,091 hectares. This plan is framed as a means to fund ecosystem restoration through carbon trading and luxury tourism.

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Environmental experts criticize the move, asserting it could harm endangered wildlife and undermine conservation credibility. The park is home to roughly 160-200 Sumatran elephants and faces funding challenges, with only $2 million budgeted in 2021.

Concerns also arise over insufficient public consultation and the allocation of carbon revenues. The government envisions the park as a pilot for generating revenue through carbon credits to support conservation efforts.