Indonesia Imposes Restrictions on Forest Data Access

Indonesia's government has introduced new restrictions on accessing geospatial data, citing concerns over manipulation and unauthorized use. The Ministry of Forestry's interactive mapping platform, SIGAP, now requires users to agree to terms and conditions, including a warning that unauthorized downloads or extractions can result in prosecution under the 2008 Electronic Information and Transactions Law. The law carries penalties of up to 9 years in prison and/or a fine. Users must now disclose their research aims and submit supporting documents to access the platform. The move has raised concerns among researchers and activists that it will suppress environmental science and advocacy work in Indonesia, one of the world's most biodiverse countries.