The Timber Legality Verification System (SVLK) began to be implemented in 2010 as one of the systems in the implementation of Voluntary Partnership Agreements on Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade in the Field of Forestry (FLEGT VPA). An agreement between the government of Indonesia and the European Union is an effort to significantly reduce illegal logging, and at the same time increase government revenues from timber exports. After going through many processes, Indonesia officially became the first country in the world to receive a FLEGT License, with this license timber exports that use V-Legal documents (Documents stating that timber products for export purposes meet timber legality verification standards in accordance with statutory provisions) are not need to go through due diligence because this system has been recognized by the European Union.

In line with Indonesia’s joy at the inauguration of the FLEGT License, the role of the Independent Forestry Monitor in ensuring and ensuring the SVLK’s credibility is even stronger. Indonesia’s achievements in obtaining a FLEGT license make the SVLK the world’s spotlight on its credibility. Therefore, in ensuring the implementation of SVLK in accordance with the established regulations, it is necessary to supervise one of them through monitoring the implementation of the SVLK by independent monitors. The Network of Independent Forestry Monitors (JPIK) as one of the independent monitors officially registered with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry has been actively monitoring since the SVLK was implemented. After the FLEGT License was inaugurated, JPIK continued to monitor the implementation of the SVLK. 

At the end of 2016 and early 2017 JPIK conducted monitoring in Central Kalimantan, in the Malacca Bereng Village, Gunung Mas Regency. This monitoring is a form of follow-up on JPIK’s findings with EIA in 2014 ago (download the report at http://jpik.or.id/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Permitting-Crime-Indonesia-language-version .pdf), where reports of alleged violations that have been reported to law enforcement do not take serious action. Re-monitoring by JPIK and EIA found that there were still fraudulent actions by illegal perpetrators that damaged the timber industry reform in Indonesia through SVLK (download advanced reports at http://jpik.or.id/perusahaan-sawit-ilegal-dan-kekinasi-hukum- still undermining wood-reform-in-indonesia-2 /). In the implementation of monitoring, JPIK extracted information from various parties using the interview method, both through the surrounding community, workers, and village officials. To strengthen the evidence of the results of monitoring in the field, JPIK also provided data to the local government, as well as taking photo and video documentation using a drone (Unmanned Vehicle). Seven companies were targeted by JPIK in monitoring SVLK implementation in the Malacca Bereng, including PT Prasetya Mitra Muda’s GPA, Juita IUHK, Jimmy Candra T IUPHHK, UD Usaha Baru Maju, UD Family Lambung, and two other unknown companies.

Difficult access to roads to the monitoring location, refusal from the community and company workers to provide data and information are obstacles and obstacles encountered in monitoring. But this did not become a big obstacle for JPIK to gather accurate evidence. Support from the government and related parties is very important for independent monitors so that monitoring activities can be carried out properly. Monitoring the SVLK implementation independently is important to do regularly, especially for companies or permit holders who have obtained SVLK certificates. Aside from being an effort to safeguard and guarantee the credibility of the SVLK, it also helps certification bodies and independent assessment institutions as SVLK auditors and the government in carrying out supervisory functions on company / permit holder compliance with applicable regulations, so that SVLK will continue to be credible in the eyes of the world.

For more details, please visit the Newsletter JPIK in the following link http://jpik.or.id/newsletter-jpik-edisi-ke-6/