Indonesia’s Independent Forest Monitors: The Behind-the-Scenes Forest Heroes

The Indonesian Timber Legality Verification System, known as the SVLK, was created through a multi stakeholder process involving government, private sector and civil society organizations.

One of the strengths of the system is the recognition of the role of civil society organization as independent monitors of the system to ensure the accountability and credibility of the SVLK. Therefore the rights and responsibilities of the independent monitors are integrated into the SVLK regulation.

SCOPE OF MONITORING

The scope of monitoring covers the whole certification process that includes compliance of industries and unit managements to the legality definition under the SVLK as well as the conduct of the auditing bodies.

RIGHTS OF INDEPENDENT MONITORS

The independent monitors have the right to file complaints on irregularities found during the certification process to the National Accreditation Agency, the body that accredits the auditing bodies and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry.

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Province with independent monitoring

INDEPENDENT MONITORING THROUGHOUT INDONESIA

INDONESIA’S INDEPENDENT FOREST MONITORS: THE BEHIND-THE-SCENES FOREST HEROES INDONESIA’S INDEPENDENT FOREST MONITORS: THE BEHIND-THE-SCENES FOREST HEROES

In monitoring the certification process, the independent monitors have the right to:

1. Have full access to data and information on parties involved in the certification process

2. Protection of their security during the monitoring process. This right to security is guaranteed by the government.

3. Have full access to locations relevant to the monitoring process with permits of the concession holders.

4. Protection from civil lawsuit on their monitoring report

WHO ARE THE INDEPENDENT MONITORS?

Citizens of Indonesia with strong commitments to sustainability of Indonesia’s forests may become independent monitors, including communities living within or near forest concessions areas and industries and Indonesian civil society organisations with recognised legal status in Indonesia.

PROFILES OF INDEPENDENT MONITORSJPIK (Network of Independent Forest Monitors)

The network itself comprises 64 NGOs and NGO networks and 318 individuals, whose work spans the country from Aceh to Papua. JPIK created a mechanism by appointing a national focal point based in Bogor, with fellow focal points spread out over 21 provinces in Indonesia. JPIK has conducted monitoring on almost all types of permit holders covered by the SVLK, encompassing practically the whole

of Indonesia. It also uses other mechanisms to follow up SVLK field monitoring findings.

One of JPIK’s accomplishment is uncovering an illegal timber log scheme from Papua in 2014.

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MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTRYREPUBLIC OF INDONESIA

INDONESIA’S INDEPENDENT FOREST MONITORS: THE BEHIND-THE-SCENES FOREST HEROES

Multistakeholder Forestry ProgrammeManggala Wanabhakti Building, Block VII, 6th Fl.Jl. Jend. Gatot Subroto, Jakarta 10270, INDONESIAP: +62 21 573 7094Dipo Business Center, 9th Fl., Unit BJl. Jend. Gatot Subroto Kav 50-52Jakarta 10260 INDONESIAP: +62 21 29866400-1 | F: +62 21 29866402E: mfp@mfp.or.id | W: www.mfp.or.id

APIKS (Association of Independent Forest Monitors in Sumatra)

The Association consists of 22 NGOs and 1 CBO in 7 provinces in Sumatra: Lampung, Bengkulu Jambi, Riau, North, South and West Sumatra. APIKS have performed monitoring of illegal loggings as well as sustainable practices of forest concessions and forest plantations in these provinces.

Eyes on the Forest (EoF)

EoF is a coalition of three environmental organisations in Riau and West Kalimantan provinces consisting of WWF Indonesia Tesso Nilo Programme, Jikalahari and WALHI (Indonesia Environmental Forum) Riau. The coalition has performed monitoring of illegal logging and forest fires since 2004. The coalition also organised training on investigative forest monitoring as well as public policy advocacy on forest governance.

Auriga Foundation

Auriga Foundation is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that focuses its work on sustainable natural resources management and environmental policy. It has a focus on utilizing anti-corruption approach in improving forest governance in Indonesia. Some examples of its work are on promoting transparency in licensing and permits on forest conversions.