Jakarta – The plan to convert tea plantations in North Sumatra to palm oil plantations could be detrimental to local economies and the environment, a local councilor said.

Councilor Irwansyah Damanik said the conversion would adversely affect the livelihoods of many people in the province, particularly those living in Simalungun and Pematangsiantar regencies, where most plantations are located.

Land conversions also affect the Earth's natural ability to absorb rain, thus posing the threat of flooding, he said. In contrast, water scarcity is also another threat because palm oil plantations consume more water, he said.

Damanik said that he had already discussed his concerns regarding the plan, which was proposed by state agriculture company PT Perkebunan Nusantara IV with Pematangsiantar Regional Development Board (Bappeda) chief Herowhin Sinaga, who also expressed objections to the plan.

Damanik said that the city government had serious doubts about the conversion plan due to potential impacts on water supply for the region.