Can be Used, Flooded Driftwood in Aceh to West Sumatra to Build People's Houses

Forestry Ministry and Aceh Provincial Forestry Service officers take samples of logs (ANTARA FOTO/IRWANSYAH PUTRA)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Forestry (Kemenhut) allows the public to use driftwood that has accumulated in areas affected by flash floods in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra for emergency handling needs until post-disaster recovery.

Director General of Sustainable Forest Management of the Ministry of Home Affairs Laksmi Wijayanti said that the driftwood can be used by the community as a material for building houses, public facilities, and other supporting facilities and infrastructure.

"We reiterate that the use of driftwood is solely for emergency disaster management, rehabilitation, and post-disaster recovery. This is a humanitarian step to help people get back on their feet," Laksmi said in a statement in Jakarta, Antara, Monday, December 22.

The policy refers to the circular letter of the Directorate General of Sustainable Forest Management (PHL) dated December 8 regarding the Utilization of Driftwood for Post-Flood Disaster Recovery. The circular was signed by the Director General of PHL Laksmi Wijayanti and was known to the Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni and Deputy Minister of Forestry Rohmat Marzuki.

"Since December 8, we have issued a circular addressed to the three governors in the affected areas," said Laksmi.

However, Laksmi emphasized that the utilization of driftwood must still comply with applicable legal provisions. The Ministry of Home Affairs ensures that all processes run in accordance with Law Number 18 of 2013 concerning the prevention and eradication of forest destruction.

According to him, driftwood is categorized as a found wood so that its management must uphold the principles of legality, traceability, and traceability.

"We don't want this good intention to be misused. Everything must still be in accordance with the rules," said Laksmi.

To prevent potential illegal logging and wood laundering practices that take advantage of the disaster situation, the Ministry of Finance has also temporarily stopped the utilization and transportation of logs in the three affected provinces.

"We temporarily stop the use and transportation of logs so that there is no loophole for illegal practices. The state is present, firm, and fair in this situation," he said.

Furthermore, Laksmi ensured that the distribution and utilization of driftwood was carried out in an integrated manner and was closely monitored through coordination with the provincial government, district/city governments, and law enforcement officers.

"We control this policy together so that it is targeted, not abused, and can accelerate post-disaster recovery for affected communities," he said.