JAKARTA - The Ministry of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemenhut RI) emphasized that Indonesia has a strong commitment to sustainable forest management. The Indonesian government always ensures that forest management is carried out sustainably by considering ecological, social, and economic aspects.
This was conveyed by the Director of Forest Product Processing and Marketing (BPPHH) of the Ministry of Forestry, Ade Mukadi, when receiving an audience from two Japanese companies, Tokyo Gas Co. Ltd. and Hanwa Co. Ltd., at the Ministry of Forestry office on Wednesday, March 4.
Both companies are buyers of wood pellets produced by PT Biomasa Jaya Abadi (PT BJA), a company operating in Pohuwato Regency, Gorontalo Province. The hearing was held following the issue raised by a number of Japanese NGOs (NGOs) who accused the development of the wood pellet industry in Indonesia had resulted in deforestation.
"We are very committed to sustainable forest management. Therefore, we pay close attention to the issue of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), as well as the issues of feasibility, legality, and sustainability. That is the principle that we hold in forest governance," said Ade.
Head of the Forestry Products Certification and Marketing Sub-Directorate of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Tony Rianto, said that forest management in Indonesia is guided by four main principles. First, sustainable forestry that balances ecological, social, and economic functions. Second, transparency and accountability that ensure that forest management can be monitored and accessed by all parties.
Third, legality which ensures that all forestry activities must comply with applicable permits and regulations. Fourth, the protection of the rights of the community, especially indigenous people and local communities that depend on forests.
To ensure legality and sustainability, Tony added, Indonesia has established and implemented the Verification System for Legality and Sustainability (SVLK). This system is an instrument to ensure that Indonesian forestry products are harvested, transported, processed, and traded from legal and sustainable sources and fully comply with Indonesian law.
"SVLK covers the entire supply chain of forestry products. This comprehensive coverage ensures full traceability from the forest to the market. The verification process involves independent verification agencies that conduct audits in the upstream, downstream sectors, to market players. The audit results ensure that products entering the domestic and international markets meet legal and sustainability requirements," said Tony.
Ade added, the Ministry of Forestry continues to improve the SVLK policy, especially to meet the demand for EUDR. To strengthen traceability, Indonesia integrates a geolocation-based monitoring system at the harvesting location. Transport documents and export documents are recorded digitally along with their geographical coordinates. This system allows for better transparency and allows stakeholders to verify supply chain information through a digital platform and QR code.
During the hearing, Tokyo Gas and Hanwa asked a number of questions, especially regarding the control of deforestation through the implementation of the Annual Work Plan (RKT) for the use of forests. Including on the practice of protecting the sustainability of rare flora and fauna.
Ade explained that the RKT is a mandatory operational planning document for forestry companies in Indonesia which is compiled every year as part of the long-term Business Work Plan (RKU). This document serves as an instrument for controlling deforestation by limiting logging only to areas and volumes permitted and ensuring forest sustainability by integrating forest product utilization activities and environmental services.
"In the RKT, there are protected areas that cannot be cut down. So, not all plantations can be cut down. There is also protection for wildlife. Of course we pay close attention to the economic, ecological, and sustainability aspects of the RKT," said Ade.
After the company obtained the RKT approval, continued Ade, the government did not stay silent. Instead, the government always monitors and evaluates the implementation of the RKT, including monitoring the number of trees that are cut down.
In evaluating the performance of forestry companies, the Ministry of Forestry emphasizes the ecological aspect which is the main priority. Namely, ecosystem restoration activities and biodiversity protection activities. Ade said, if rare flora or fauna are found, companies should not move or stop activities. However, the area in the location of rare flora and fauna should not be used by the company.
In principle, Ade emphasized, the Ministry of Forestry is very committed to protecting rare flora and fauna as well as protected animals. The Ministry of Forestry also has a reservation area policy, namely a wildlife area or corridor that is a protected area that must not be cut down and must be protected by the company.
"Indonesia is very committed to environmental sustainability, business continuity, community protection, and also protection of flora and fauna. As proof, we are revoking permits for companies that do not comply with regulations in carrying out forestry activities," concluded Ade.
The Tokyo Gas and Hanwa's audience to the Ministry of Forestry is a follow-up to the audience to the Pohuwato Regency Government on Monday, March 2, which was received directly by the Regent of Pohuwato Syaiful A. Mbuinga accompanied by the Regional Secretary and a number of related officials.
During the meeting, Regent Syaiful A. Mbuinga emphasized that PT BJA is an investor who has fulfilled all licensing provisions and operates legally in accordance with applicable regulations. In addition, PT BJA has also made a significant contribution to the regional economy through the absorption of labor which has so far reached more than 1,500 people.
"Investments that enter Pohuwato Regency, including from PT BJA, also contribute to the growth of the regional economy which reaches around 9%. PT BJA's investment in Pohuwato Regency has been in accordance with existing regulations. The government always communicates and closely supervises investment activities in the Pohuwato region, including to PT BJA," concluded Regent Syaiful A. Mbuinga.
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