Jakarta, Oct. 6 -- Indonesia sees no need to expand rice fields into forest areas, Presidential Special Envoy for Climate and Energy Hashim Djojohadikusumo said on Tuesday, as the government seeks to boost food production without further clearing forests.

Speaking at the Indonesia International Sustainability Forum in Jakarta, Hashim said the decision was based on the successful achievement of the food estate program's targets without having to convert 2 million hectares of forest.

"The Indonesian government, particularly through the Ministry of Agriculture, and as conveyed through me as the Special Envoy, announces that the government sees no further need to open new rice fields in forest areas," he said.

The government will instead s...