Forestry Ministry Strengthens Forest Product Governance via Digital SVLK+
Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Ministry of Forestry is strengthening the management of forest products through the implementation of the Legal and Sustainable Verification System (SVLK+) which is based on digital services.
“In the context of global trade, Indonesia is strengthening the implementation of SVLK as a strategic instrument that not only guarantees the legality of timber, but also ensures aspects of sustainability, full traceability, compliance with environmental standards, and transparent and digitally integrated supply chain management,” said the Head of the Bureau of Public Relations and Foreign Cooperation of the Ministry of Forestry, Ristianto Pribadi, in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday.
SVLK+ has been developed with several key improvements. The first is Integrated Digital Traceability, where the entire production flow from upstream to downstream is documented in an electronic-based system that can be independently and in real-time verified.
Furthermore, the strengthening of the sustainability aspect (Integrated S-PHL) involves full integration with Sustainable Forest Management Certification (S-PHL), so that verification does not stop at administrative legality, but also ensures sustainable forest management practices.
The third aspect is public transparency and accountability, which provides more open access to information and strengthens the role of independent assessment and verification bodies accredited by the National Accreditation Committee (KAN).
“And the fourth is the Harmonisation of Global Standards with ongoing adjustments to ensure compatibility with the regulations of major world markets, including due diligence requirements and anti-deforestation standards,” said Ristianto.
With the SVLK+ approach, he added, Indonesia not only maintains its reputation as a pioneer of a credible timber legality system, but also strengthens its bargaining position in international trade cooperation, including with the United States.
“This system is proof that Indonesian forest products come from legal sources, are managed sustainably, and meet the principles of good governance,” said Ristianto.
In addition, the Ministry of Forestry is also ensuring that this digital transformation runs in parallel with strengthening human resources and law enforcement.
The capacity building of the Forest Police, the modernisation of monitoring facilities, and the integration of public complaint systems are part of a comprehensive strategy to close loopholes for corruption and illegal practices.
“Through SVLK+ and the digitalisation of forest management, Indonesia reaffirms its commitment to leading global efforts in combating illegal forest product trade, increasing the trust of international markets, and sustainably preserving the sovereignty of national forest resources,” explained Ristianto.