Indonesia is hoping no country in the world will buy or sell wood or products made of wood obtained through illegal logging, a minister said.
Forestry Minister Zulkifli Hasan said here on Tuesday Indonesia was hoping other countries would support its efforts in fighting illegal logging and protecting its rainforests by not allowing illegal wood to enter their territories.
“The Indonesian government knows no compromise in dealing with illegal logging but for fairness’ sake, advanced countries should also not buy or accept wood from illegal logging. It would really be ironic if, while Indonesia is fighting illegal logging, our foreign friends accept the products of illegal logging. Therefore, we are cooperating with CIFOR, donors and other related parties with regard to certification of the legality of traded wood,” he said.
Zulkifli referred to the case of “Merbau” wood, which is only found in Indonesia, as an example.
“It can be ascertained that Merbau wood always comes from us. It is impossible for it to come from Malaysia, Singapore or China. So there must be no more Merbau wood stockpiled in the European market for example. We will fight illegal logging but we also ask friendly countries not to accept ‘log and laundry’, ” he said.
The minister also said that besides the certification program Indonesia has taken a number of decisions including a moratorium on forest clearing and mapping of forests affected by the regulation.
“The forestry minister has issued a map of regions which may not be disturbed, namely a moratorium. We have the map covering 27 million hectares called primary forests and peat land,” he said.
He said the forests are found in Kalimantan and Papua. The government, he said, has also launched a one-billion tree planting program since 2010, which has thus far resulted in 1.5 billion trees.
In 2011 the target is one billion trees, but it is expected to reach two billion, he said.
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono here on Tuesday morning opened an international seminar on future Indonesian forests where he was also one of the key speakers.
The President said this meeting provided an opportunity for Indonesia to meet the national target in the reduction of gas emissions in the next few years and in protecting its rainforests.
“The theme of the meeting is correct and relevant. Forest problems are strongly linked with Indonesia’s interest in assuring the sustainability of its forests,” he said.
A number of parties concerned and who have interest in the environment attended the seminar. President Yudhoyono hoped the seminar could contribute significantly to Indonesia’s efforts in assuring the sustainability of its forests.
