INDONESIA is home to some of the largest tracts of primary rainforests in the world, providing the country with a rich biodiversity and natural heritage. But unfortunately the country is losing large portions of these forests to illegal logging.

Logging has long provided an economic benefit to the country and if managed well, the country’s forests can sustain growth and livelihoods for thousands. The issue, however, is proper management and sustainability of these forests.

It is imperative that the country curb illegal logging, which is criminal and robs Indonesians of their natural heritage. In addition, it deprives the state of legal income from economic activity.

Dealing with this problem requires not just better patrolling and monitoring of the forests but also coordination and cooperation with countries that buy Indonesian wood. In this regard, the meeting between law enforcement officials from Indonesia and six other countries to tackle illegal logging and other forestry crimes is a positive step forward.

Where there is no demand for illegally logged timber, supply will be cut off. It is therefore encouraging that countries such as Japan, a major market for Indonesian wood, are willing to work with Indonesia and other countries to stop this practice. Only with such cooperation can illegal logging be stopped. Indonesia has adopted a barcode system to trace the provenance of all timber exported out of the country. But the system can only work if there is proper enforcement by the forestry ministry and if buying countries also play by these rules.

Local governments must also play their part as these illegal activities occur in their backyard. They cannot depend on the central government to police their forests. The public can also play a bigger role in protecting national parks by insisting that all wood products sold are from certified felled trees.

Stopping illegal logging will require a multi-pronged approach. Only if every party in the chain plays its part will illegal loggers be defeated. —(April 30)