International dimension in the fight against illegal logging
International dimension in the fight against illegal logging
E. Wibanarto, Jakarta
In the last few years, Indonesia has been facing an acute
problem of illegal logging. Domestically, this problem brings an
additional burden for the Indonesian government in implementing
its policy to achieve sustainable forest management and at the
same time has caused huge losses in state revenue.
Internationally, Indonesia has faced the concerns of the
international community that the Indonesian government has failed
to control its natural resources due to poor law enforcement. In
the broader sense, Indonesia is seen to a certain extent as a
country that is struggling to achieve good governance.
Recognizing that the role of government is instrumental in
combating illegal logging, in March 2005 Operasi Hutan Lestari II
was launched, and a few days later was boosted by Presidential
Instruction No. 4/2005 on combating illegal logging and illegal
timber trade. This operation has achieved remarkable progress and
concrete results. Around 140 suspects were arrested, 500,000
cubic meters of logs were seized, as well as 850 heavy transport
equipment and 25 ships. This was due to the concerted efforts and
coordination of government officials, the armed forces, police,
as well as local authorities. However, daunting tasks ahead
remain to be confronted, such as speeding up the decision on the
future of the seized logs, and follow up actions in court for the
suspects. We do hope that in the near future we can see a more
viable outcome.
At this stage, we see a clear message from the government for
combating illegal logging. First, Indonesia is very serious in
dealing with illegal logging, although it is acknowledged that
illegal logging is a very complex issue. The more challenging
task is that combating illegal logging is very sensitive issue
due to the vested interests of officials, police and the armed
forces.
Second, basically the problem of illegal logging is perceived
as a domestic matter, therefore the ways and means to deal with
it are closely related to law enforcement. Having said that, with
the positive recent result, we may draw a preliminary conclusion
that Indonesia has the ability to make remarkable progress in law
enforcement. In this vein, this achievement can further motivate
and promote the government's efforts to create a more conducive
and favorable climate for investment that is very strategic to
achieve economic growth.
Third, the successful outcome of combating illegal logging
would eventually improve the image and profile of Indonesia in
international fora. The reform agenda of President Susilo Bambang
Yudhoyono seems to have worked. Accordingly, this record will
help improve the profile of Indonesian diplomacy in the
international arena.
In this direction, there is a dire need to have a broader view
on this matter. Tackling the problem of illegal logging should
not be seen from only domestic interests per se, but should also
cover international dimensions.
We are fully aware that Indonesia is widely acknowledged as a
country richly endowed with natural resources and its forests are
the third biggest in the world. Meanwhile, we acknowledge that
the demand for tropical timber in the world is very high,
primarily in developing countries with high economic growth.
Since there is an imbalance between demand and supply of timber
in the international market, this situation triggers the high
demand for timber from illegal sources.
The other relevant aspect is the difficulty to identify and
differentiate between timber from sustainably managed resources
and unsustainably managed forest. To address this problem, the
promotion of legality of timber should be taken into
consideration.
In this connection, the role of the international community,
primarily the consuming countries is paramount. The consuming
countries can and should play an important role in accepting only
legal timber.
The question is in what capacity the consuming countries can
contribute. There are several options that can be undertaken.
First, improving the capacity building of the countries that have
a problem with illegal logging. Technical assistance has been
very popular in this regard. Close to this option is giving a
premium price to the countries that have been able to improve and
promote timber from sustainably managed resources.
Second, through establishing bilateral agreements on combating
illegal logging. Indonesia has made several bilateral agreements
with the EU, UK, Norway, Japan, China and South Korea to name a
few. Bilateral agreements should also be considered with
countries that can potentially become transit points of trade of
illegal timber such as Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines.
In multilateral fora such as the International Tropical Timber
Organization (ITTO), United Nations Forum on Forest (UNFF), Food
and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and the United Nations
Environment Program (UNEP), illegal logging has become a
controversial issue that has caused concern in the international
community.
There are two important events in the near future that
Indonesia should be actively involved in. First, the United
Nations Forum on Forest meeting in New York in May 2005. The
meeting will discuss in depth whether the future International
Arrangements on Forest will be legally binding or not. Second,
the Third Round of Negotiations to Renew the International
Tropical Timber Agreement (ITTA) 1994 in Geneva, June 27 to July
1, 2005.
Other important forums such as the Asia Forest Partnership is
vital in promoting sustainable forest management through
international partnership. Indonesia and Japan are at the
forefront in this partnership.
It is also worth noting the active participation of local and
international non-government organizations in combating illegal
logging. Meanwhile, since illegal logging happens mostly in
remote areas, the role of civil society including the local
community is equally important.
In conclusion, government efforts to combat illegal logging
should be fully supported by all levels of government and civil
society. Without that, all energies and funds, as well as strong
resolve and political commitment will be meaningless. Indonesia
has succeeded in Operasi Hutan Lestari. As such, it is imperative
that this momentum is continuously maintained and enhanced.
The writer is working at the Directorate for Commodity and
Standardization, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Indonesia. This
article reflects his personal views. He can be reached at
wiba_narto@yahoo.com.