In coordination with the Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, ARISE+ Indonesia organised a three-day online training focusing on SVLK certification, 22-24 June 2021. The training aimed to improve understanding and compliance of the timber industries in adopting verification of timber legality.
ARISE+ Indonesia also consulted with ASMINDO (Association of Indonesian Furniture) and ISWA (Association of Indonesian Sawmills) in determining the target participants of the training.
Around 20 participants from small and medium timber enterprises that are not yet SVLK certified, the Ministry of Industry, ASMINDO, and ISWA participated in the first two-day training. The training discussed the benefits and the process of certification.
The third day of training served as refreshment training for around 70 SVLK certified companies, especially with the release of new forest and SVLK administration regulations. The training facilitated participants to understand the problems that often arise in SVLK certification and V-Legal issuance and find the solutions.
SVLK is the Indonesian acronym for timber legality assurance system. The Government of Indonesia developed SVLK certification to guarantee the legality of timber trade. SVLK supports the eradication of illegal logging and promotes good forest management.
The SVLK certification will enable small and medium timber enterprises to access the international markets, including the European Union (EU) market. SVLK is recognised in the EU and equivalent with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
"We have to maintain sustainable forest management as it provides benefits and added value for the timber industry, especially in the international market," Robert, the Chairman of ASMINDO, said during the opening.
Dyah Sulanjari, a Wana Awet Mas Enterprise staff, said that the session discussing the problems and solutions on SVLK Certification and V-Legal was insightful and beneficial. She participated in the training for the certified companies on the third day.
"The training was really interesting. Thank you to ARISE+ Indonesia who facilitated the beneficial training for us," Dyah said.
