TEMPO.CO, Jakarta-Executive Director of the Association of Indonesian Furniture and Handicraft Industry (Asmindo) Sumardjani Liman asked the government to review the implementation of wood legality verification system (SVLK) for export-oriented wood and wood products. So far, the system applies only to the local industry.

"Many small and medium industries, even large furniture businesses do not have SVLK," he said in a discussion on SVLK to support forest sustainability and the competitiveness of Indonesian exports in the Double Tree Hotel, Jakarta, Monday, October 12.

Liman explained that not all furniture importing countries of Indonesian products requires a certificate of timber legality. "The importance of SVLK is questioned by producers,” he said.

Liman added that if importing countries also impose the SVLK requirements, then consequently businesses will comply.

Meanwhile, Director of the Indonesian Center for Environmental Law, Henry Subagyo said the government, in this case the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, should replace the legal basis for SVLK from ministerial decree into law.

The proposed change is meant for the system to be adhered by all stakeholders without conflicting with other ministerial regulations.

Timber Legality Certificate (SLK) is a certificate given to the license holder or private forest owner stating that the license holder or private forest owner has followed the legal compliance in obtaining timber forest products (Regulation No. P.38/Menhut-II/2009, article 1, paragraph 12).

SLK can be acquired by license holders or private forest owners, if they met the SVLK requirements assessed through a verification process.

ABDUL AZIS