Private firms criticized over logging

The private sector’s role in supporting illegal logging in Indonesia is highlighted in a new report on the trade. The failings of private business are associated with a complex mixture of corruption, weak or selective law enforcement, conflicting land rights and unco-ordinated decentralization, says the report, by InWent, the German human resources and organizational development consultancy.

Partnerships between non-governmental organizations and the pulp and paper producers could bring about some improvements, but more could be achieved by stakeholder meetings and by stimulating awareness among companies, says the report. InWent believes this is the way to encourage regulation of the timber industry, law enforcement, respect for land rights and the formulation of codes of conduct embracing accountability and transparency.

In addition, the consultancy wants international pressure to persuade Indonesian businesses and the government to deal with illegal logging and a combined effort by the timber producers and their international customers. However, it says the government must show a commitment to promote good governance and tackle the root problems, including corruption, before businesses will take action.