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Max Vakhtbovycn reduction targets in the Forestry and Other Land Use (FOLU)
sector. Beyond reform Shafira called for clearer and more
inclusive zoning criteria that considers the ecological, cultural
and social contexts of each region.
She emphasised integrating the needs of local communities,
indigenous peoples and regional governments into forest
management policies.
Environmental resilience and the land's capacity to
support human activity without degradation must be central
to zoning decisions. Shafira warned against generalising forest
management across Indonesia's diverse islands urging more
attention to the unique and fragile ecosystems of smaller
(BPN) complicate effective governance. islands often overlooked in national policy.
Sturman Panjaitan, a Commission IV member, emphasised
that the existing law, stemming from the reform era no longer Indonesia and UK strategic partnership set to be
meets contemporary needs due to conflicting regulations that concluded in September
could hinder sustainable forest management. Indonesia and the United Kingdom are set to finalise a new
He argued that a new legal framework is vital to provide strategic partnership agreement in September according to
clarity, boost forest utilisation and ensure long-term benefits the British Ambassador, Dominic Jermey.
for the population. This partnership aims to strengthen ties between the two
Fellow Commission IV member, I Nyoman Adi Wiryatama, nations amidst global geopolitical shifts, emphasising shared
agreed advocating for a complete overhaul rather than mere democracy and human rights issues.
revision. The agreement will focus on human resource development
Parliament is now gathering input from various stakeholders, (especially in education and health), economic growth, sustainable
including civil society, forestry businesses and indigenous development (including green energy and forest conservation).
communities. The goal is to draft a new forestry law that It is planned the partnership will be formally launched
better addresses Indonesia's current and future ecological during a meeting between Indonesian President, Prabowo
and economic challenges. Subianto and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
This lengthy process is deemed crucial for creating a
more responsive and effective regulatory system for forest Anti-dumping/subsidy investigation on plywood
management. The Ministry of Trade (Kemendag) is fully supporting Indonesian
In related news, Difa Shafira, from the Indonesian Centre for businesses facing anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations
Environmental Law (ICEL), stated that the current classification by the US Department of Commerce regarding hardwood and
of forests under Indonesia's Forestry Law No. 41 of 1999 into decorative plywood exports.
conservation, protection and production zones is outdated Kemendag will assist Indonesian entrepreneurs in preparing
and ineffective. their defence and completing questionnaires. Around one-third
She argues this system undermines forests' role as life- of Indonesia's hardwood and decorative plywood production
support systems and fails to align with national emission is exported to the US.

