Article written by: Kaoem Telapak
on March 7, 2025
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Encouraging Pro-Forest Economic Policies

In the fight against illegal logging, tracking the flow of money is as crucial as tracing the timber itself. This is a key point emphasized by Benhard Willem Pattinasarany, a dedicated member of Kaoem Telapak from Maluku.

Known as Willem, he graduated from Patimura University and moved to Java in 1998, where he became increasingly active in environmental advocacy. His passion led him to join Kaoem Telapak, an organization renowned for its influence in pushing for changes in forestry policy.

As the issue of illegal logging intensified, activists like Willem recognized the need to engage financial institutions in adopting sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. Willem articulates the challenge of leveraging financial instruments to combat environmental crimes. In response, Kaoem Telapak, along with other organizations, established the Indonesia Working Group on Forest Finance (IWGFF). This working group is dedicated to promoting economic policies that support forest preservation and sustainability, with Willem serving as Chairman of the Executive Board.

Since 2001, IWGFF has actively engaged with stakeholders to scrutinize economic and financial policies that could threaten Indonesia’s forests. Their approach includes monitoring environmental crimes by following financial trails and advocating for sustainable forestry practices. The group also encourages banks and financial institutions to provide environmentally conscious funding and support forest sustainability. “IWGFF monitors how banks and financial institutions lend to forestry-related industries, urging them to ensure their investments do not harm the environment,” Willem explains.

Bernhard Willem Pattinasarany, Kaoem Telapak Member from Maluku.

Despite the progress, advocating for forest and environmental sustainability through financial instruments presents challenges. Willem highlights the complexity of using the Anti-Corruption Law and the Money Laundering Law as deterrents against illegal loggers. These legal instruments, though effective, are often challenging to implement, causing reluctance among law enforcers. Willem notes that legal processes typically address issues incrementally, first proving illegal logging, followed by corruption and money laundering charges.

Willem also emphasizes the importance of engaging young people in environmental issues to ensure the continuity of advocacy for forest sustainability, green economic policies, and sustainable industries. “Education and the involvement of the next generation are crucial for the sustainability of environmental conservation efforts,” he asserts.

Through the efforts of passionate individuals like Willem and organizations like the IWGFF, there is hope for more robust economic policies that not only protect but also promote the sustainability of Indonesia’s precious forests.