Zainuri Hasyim memberikan materi pengenalan SVLK kepada masyarakat dan perangkat Desa, Desa Harapan Jaya. (Foto oleh : Hardian)
Zainuri Hasyim provided material for the introduction of SVLK
to the community and village officials, Harapan Jaya Village. (Photo by: Hardian)

Beginning in 2013, Indonesia through the Ministry of Forestry and the Ministry of Trade has enacted the SVLK. SVLK is a certification instrument that is mandatory in timber legality certification in Indonesia. SVLK is also a form of the government’s commitment to fight illegal logging and illegal timber trade. Support from many parties is needed to be able to run the SVLK to be consistent.

Mitra Insani Foundation (YMI), a focal point from the Riau Province Independent Forest Monitoring Network (JPIK) conducted a discussion to introduce the Timber Legality Verification System (SVLK) to the people of Harapan Jaya Village, Tempuling District, Indragiri Hilir Regency, Riau Province. The discussion was opened by Zainuri Hasyim, who was also one of the representatives of the JPIK National Dinaminsator. Zainuri Hasyim was also one of the presenters in the introduction of SVLK to the people of Harapan Jaya Village.

The discussion was held on February 19-20 2014 at Harapan Jaya Village Hall, Tempuling District, Indragiri Hilir Regency, Riau Province. The discussion which lasted for 2 days was attended by no more than 20 residents and village officials. This discussion needs to be done because, the community needs to know what the SVLK is and how the SVLK influences wood identity in Indonesia. So that the community can at the same time help monitor timber supply companies and providers of processed wood products.

The community and village officials were very enthusiastic in participating in this discussion, running interactive and warm discussions. According to most residents, they feel lay and don’t know what the SVLK is even about forest management themselves. The Selasih 107.7 FM radio community participated interactively in the implementation of this SVLK introduction, namely by disseminating the results of discussion activities to the community.

The introduction to SVLK will continue to other villages around the forest area. Increased knowledge of the community towards the SVLK is expected to foster the courage for the community to report / oppose activities that conflict with the rules and laws that have been applied in our country.