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www.pexels.com Airlangga Hartarto, stated that the Joint Task Force on the
EUDR involving Indonesia, Malaysia and the EU will continue
its work where Indonesia and Malaysia will continue to fight
for recognition of their respective sustainability standards.
Regarding traceability, he noted that Indonesia and Malaysia
have adequate mechanisms to address this issue. However,
the EU's requirement for specific location data or location
sharing will be very difficult, especially for small scale farmers
and timber operators.
In related news, the decision to delay implementation of
The chairperson of the Indonesian Forest Entrepreneurs the EUDR has drawn criticism from environmental groups such
Association (APHI) Prof. Indroyono Soesilo is reported as as the Indonesian Civil Society Coalition (Koalisi Masyarakat
saying integration of the timber utilisation with non-timber Sipil Indonesia) and the Indonesian Forum for the Environment
forest products and environmental services is at the core of (Wahana Lingkungan Hidup Indonesia).
the multi-forestry business approach and address achievement The Forest and Garden Campaign Manager of the Indonesian
of the Asta Cita Mission 2 and 5. Forum for the Environment, Uli Arta Siagian, also regretted
the delay in the implementation of the EUDR by the European
Reducing dependence on exports to the US Union Parliament.
The Indonesian Furniture and Crafts Industry Association
(HIMKI) is preparing a strategy to address any impact of Forests offer potential for bioeconomy
additional US import tariffs being proposed by the incoming The National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) has
US administration as these will impact Indonesian furniture said Indonesia possesses significant bioeconomic potential
and craft exports. which will serve as a foundation for economic transformation
Abdul Sobur, Chairman of the HIMKI, noted that the planned by 2045.
increase in tariffs would undermine the competitiveness of With 62 percent of Indonesia's land area covered by forests
Indonesian furniture products in the US market. The HIMKI the forestry sector is crucial for developing a sustainable bio-
is focused on diversifying its export markets targeting India, based economy. The Multi Forestry Business Policy aims to
China and countries in the Middle East. be an innovative solution that supports Indonesia's economic
To address the effects of a rise in US import tariffs transformation.
HIMKI has been actively communicating with the Indonesian Vivi Yulaswati, Deputy for Maritime Affairs and Natural
government and proposed measures including negotiating a Resources at the Ministry of National Development Planning/
trade agreement with the US for preferential tariffs. National Development Planning Agency (PPN/Bappenas) stated
Other options include offering incentives to exporters an initiative is necessary to develop bioeconomic concepts
through reduced import taxes on raw materials and providing and principles that can be adopted at the national level.
support for upgrading production technology. As part of the government's commitment, the bioeconomy
concept has been incorporated into the National Long-Term
Indonesia, Malaysia efforts to address EUDR Development Plan (RPJPN) 2025-2045 and the National
Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) 2025-2029.

