It has been two years since the Covid-19 pandemic has changed almost the entire fabric of life, from the way we interact with others to the way we survive. The Covid-19 pandemic has put pressure on economic and social conditions in Indonesia and has warned us about the damage to the relationship between humans and nature. The pandemic is a warning, if we don’t take care of our forests and biodiversity, we don’t take care of ourselves. Because when we talk about nature, we are talking about forests, and when we talk about forests we are also talking about human life, living things, and the existing ecology.

In a routine event held by Forest Watch Indonesia, the Indonesia Forest Expo 2021 discusses forest issues that currently continue to threaten. However, we still have a chance because Eastern Indonesia can still be saved. The people of Eastern Indonesia still rely on their livelihood by managing natural resources directly, so there is no reason not to take care of nature. The relationship between humans and nature is inseparable, as reflected in the Aru Islands, where the people manage natural resources for survival through local knowledge and traditional practices.

An unprecedented opportunity is also present because of the Covid-19 Pandemic, an opportunity to change a new direction for the health of the earth to protect and restore forests in its policies. Stopping and reversing deforestation is an important part of a strategy to reduce the likelihood of future pandemics, and reconstruct the relationship between humans and nature.

One of the climate policies and commitments made on a global scale to combat the climate crisis is the Conference of the Parties (COP). Until this year, entering the 26th conference, there are still climate action failures. The Indonesian government has also yet to provide concrete solutions to the problems of the climate crisis, including deforestation and carbon pollution. Real action from the government is needed to ensure the survival of the Indonesian people and their biodiversity without exception.

In this 17th edition of the Newsletter, apart from highlighting the implementation of the COP and the stories of people from eastern Indonesia in protecting forests, it also raises an important issue from the book review “People Monitor” which tells how indigenous/local communities in five provinces in Indonesia monitor the SVLK. at their respective locations. With the interest and knowledge base of indigenous/local communities on the sustainability of their living space, it is time to become the main foothold in the implementation of SVLK and monitoring. The newsletter in this edition also discusses several themes including; how is the monitoring collaboration involving the Forest Management Unit (KPH) in Jambi Province, the readiness for the implementation of small industries in Sukabumi Regency in the implementation of the SVLK, and the findings of violations at PT Toba Pulp Lestari (TPL) in the implementation of sustainable forest management.

 

Download JPIK Newsletter 17th Edition “The Monitor”:
Indonesian Version
English Version