In a controversial proposal, Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade has suggested a relaxation of the Verification, Legality, and Sustainability System (SVLK), potentially jeopardising the nation’s esteemed reputation in the global timber market.
Kaoem Telapak campaigner, Denny Bhatara, expressed grave concerns during a media briefing on 28 May 2025. He hailed the SVLK as a pivotal mechanism in steering forestry governance towards transparency and legality, effectively barring illegal timber from the supply chain. “SVLK is a source of national pride,” declared Denny, emphasising its role in affirming Indonesia’s leadership in producing legal and sustainable wood products.
Media briefing organized by Kaoem Telapak
Indonesia’s successful engagement with the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade – Voluntary Partnership Agreement (FLEGT-VPA) has opened doors to premium European markets. This milestone, Denny argued, should inspire Indonesia to further enhance the competitiveness of its timber offerings.
This proposal is not without precedent; the Ministry has twice before attempted to bypass the need for V-Legal documents in 2015 and 2020. Yet, SVLK’s comprehensive verification process from source to market remains crucial in ensuring legal compliance.
Forestry authority Diah Suradiredja underscored the significance of SVLK in preventing legal breaches within the supply chain, such as illegal logging and document fraud. She cautioned that diluting SVLK standards could undermine market confidence and exacerbate environmental degradation. “Indonesia must bolster, not weaken, this vital system,” Diah asserted, highlighting its necessity for maintaining international competitiveness.
Echoing this sentiment, Yana Maya of ASMINDO KOMDA Semarang warned that relaxing SVLK would represent a backward step. “European buyers consistently demand V-Legal certification,” she noted. The well-established SVLK framework, with its robust certification and geolocation features, is essential for compliance with the European Union’s stringent Anti-Deforestation Regulation.
Timber Legal
Kurnia from the LPVI Forum praised the SVLK for its proven efficacy and widespread recognition, both domestically and abroad. He advocated for the continuous enforcement of V-Legal documents to ensure the traceability and legality of Indonesian timber in global markets.
‘SVLK has adapted to global demands as a system that is able to guarantee credibility and provide market certainty, that Indonesian wood products are guaranteed legal,’ Kurnia said.
