Monitoring the forestry sector
Jakarta, Tuesday (3/4/2012). “The forestry sector is the third biggest source of corruption after Tax and Mining, and that’s why we’re developing a monitoring system with the KPK” said M. Gausyah of Kemitraan during the Regular Meeting of Forestry Independent Monitoring Network (JPIK).
Working with Perkumpulan Telapak, Kemitraan has developed a draft implementation guide for the Timber Legality Verification System (SVLK), supported by the European Union. The meeting was attended by Ministry of Forestry, Auditor, KAN, MFP, NGOs and 48 JPIK from Aceh to West Papua.
Minister of Forestry regulation P68 emphasises transparency, accountability and participation, an improvement on the previous regulation: P.38. According to Yayat from PT Sarbi, “ P.68, calls for independent observers in the verification process for companies to receive the SVLK.” Dian from PT TUV added, “P.68 also gives the Auditor the authority to to track the source of timber.”
Zain from JPIK Riau said there is no information center for SVLK and the certification process, so there are still many who don’t understand the verification process. Piet from JPIK Papua added, that it was difficult to monitor in remote locations and that people surrounding the forest should be empowered so that they can become Monitors.
