Forest fires started in Sumatra in February this year. Riau has most hot spots, despite the successful prosecution of a Malaysian–owned plantation company last year for illegal burning. For updates on the forest fires in Indonesia in 2002, see separate DTE document.

FIGURES

• Indonesia has one of highest rates of tropical forest loss in the world with the country losing nearly 2 million hectares of forest every year. Deforestation rates have doubled in the late 1990s. Forest cover fell from 162 million hectares in 1950 to only 98 million hectares in 2000. All forests will disappear from Sumatra in 2005 and from Kalimantan in 2010. While the country comprises only 1.3 percent of the planet's land surface, it holds a disproportionately high share of its biodiversity, including 11 percent of the world's plant species, 10 percent of mammal species, and 16 percent of bird species. During the Suharto years, 10 companies came to control 45 percent of all logging concessions in the country. Demand for wood fiber by pulp & paper mills exceeds legal supplies by as much as 40 million cubic meters annually. 65 percent of the supply in 2000 came from illegal sources. Legal timber supplies from natural forests declined from 17 million cubic meters in 1995 to less than 8 million cubic meters in 2000. Nearly 9 million hectares of land, most of it natural forest, had been allocated for industrial timber plantations by 1997. While most of it has been cleared, only 2 million hectares have been replanted.
  Data from "The State of the Forest: Indonesia" WRI/FWI (http://www.wri.org/wri/). (Asia Times 22/Feb/02)

• Only 15 million hectares of forest area left in Sumatra, says CI director Jatna Supriatna (Tempo 7/Feb/02)

• Capacity of Indonesian pulp & paper industry has seen seven-fold expansion since the late 1980s. Of the 120 million cubic meters of wood consumed by the pulp industry during 1988-2000, only ten percent was harvested from this, says WWF-CIFOR report (JP 9/Feb/02).

• Orangutans threatened by forest destruction. Under 20,000 remain in forests of Kalimantan and northern Sumatra. Population has shrunk by 50 percent in last decade. In Sumatra it is estimated about 1,000 orangutans are lost each year, according to the United Kingdom-based Orangutan Foundation (JP 12/Feb/02)

• Indonesia earned US$5.4 billion in foreign exchange from tourism in 2001, slightly down from 2000. (JP 13/Feb/02)

• Indonesia's exports to Britain fell 1.9 per cent to US$1.57 billion in the January-October period of 2001, due to UK imposing non-tariff barriers on its imports (high standards, env & HR factors). Britain's exports to Indonesia also fell 1.25 per cent to US$378 million. Indonesia's exports to Britain account for 0.39 per cent of UK's trade with the rest of the world over the period; Indonesia is the 35th main trade partner of Britain. Indonesia's exports to Britain were dominated by 30 commodities: garments and accessories (US$415.2 million); shoes (US$141.1 million); wood products (US$134.9 million); office machines and data processing (US$116.8 million); and telecommunications equipment (US$104.2 million). Indonesia is now listed as the biggest supplier of wood products to Britain, controlling 8.2 per cent of its trade, according to Indonesian Embassy report from London (Asia - Pulse/Antara 28/Feb 02).

• Nearly two-thirds of forest in Gunung Palung has been destroyed by illegal logging, Harvard-sponsored team shows 61,000ha of 90,000ha National Park has been illegally logged. US$ 345 million losses. (JP 9/Jan/02) US researchers refute this saying forest only degraded (JP 23/Jan/02).

• Flash flood kills 21 in Dempo Utara, S. Sumatra (AFP 11/Jan/02)

• Some 25 million ha of Indonesia's forests need rehabilitating. Meranti (Shorea sp) is under pressure. Areas replanted with merani (e.g. Pulau Laut) in S. Kalimantan have been stripped by illegal loggers. Meranti trees due to flower and fruit this year, so good opportunity for replanting (K 12/Jan/02).

• Sintang Dayaks complain to local police about extensive illegal logging of Sepauk (Sanggau, W. Kal) by outsiders. (Walhi News 16/Jan/02)

• Floods hit Medan, North Sumatra, during the week from 14 Jan, leaving at least 13 people dead and six missing. At least 84 houses were washed away or damaged (OCHA 18/Jan/02). Medan airport closed for several days as runway flooded. Losses estimated at Rp12 bn (JP 4/Mar/02). Walhi N. Sumatra blames illegal logging in watershed. (K 16/Jan/02). A N. Sumatra (Farmers' Advocacy Institution NGO) called on police to investigate the destruction of 1,060 hectares of protected forest in Karo district, a catchment area supplying water to Medan, Deli Serdang and Langkat districts. Local administrators are implicated in ordering forest clearance in Lau Gedang and Doulou villages (JP 21/Dec01). Rapid urban growth, due to in-migration, poor planning and corruption also to blame (JP 6/Feb/02). President Megawati launched 'regreening programme' for Lake Loba (in Medan!) (JP 4/Mar/02)

• Hydro-electric power station in Lampung (PLTA Way Besai) was flooded due to landslide caused by deforestation and erosion on hills above dam (Tempo 19-25/Feb 02)

• Floods affect Java making thousands homeless. The towns most affected included Subang and Karawang in West Java, Semarang in Central Java, and Mojokerto in East Java (OCHA 26/Jan/02).

• Heavy flooding affects Jakarta. Over 300,000 left homeless and at least 20 dead in 3 weeks Jan-Feb. Most parts affected. Worst in N & W of the city (JP 10/Feb/02; 15/Feb/02). Airport road closed. Bad planning blamed inc. destruction of mangroves and green areas for housing complexes (JP 17/Jan/02). Sonny Keraf calls it a man-made disaster as most rainwater in Jkt goes directly into rivers now, not to water catchment areas (IPS 6/Feb/02). NGOs call for action against housing complex developer Pantai Indah Kapuk (JP 18/Jan/02). Authorities impose temporary ban on housing development in Jakarta (3-6months) due to the floods. Illegal developments are thought to be a contributing factor. Plus existence of 31 golf courses in Greater Jkt, mainly set up in 1990s. Jkt Governor Sutiyoso opposes the moratorium (JP 9/Feb/02). Estimated losses at least Rp 85 billion (JP 8/Feb/02). Green areas in Jakarta have been reduced in 1995-2010 Masterplan (JP 7/Feb/02). Need for more soil and water conservation measures in the upper reaches of the Ciliwung which rises in Puncak and the Cisadane that rises to the south of Bogor to protect Jakarta from flooding (JP 6/Feb/02; 15/Feb/02). Much illegal building of luxury homes and hotels in Puncak area tacitly encouraged by local government which seeks revenues under regional autonomy (JP 7/Mar/02). Various donors inc. EU have pledged aid for flood victims in Jkt, Java and elsewhere in Indonesia (OCHA 17/Feb/02)

• East Kutai administrator Awang Karoey Ishak is recommending to Jkt that permits of 37/74 large plantation companies in that district of E. Kal should be withdrawn as they are only using licences to extract timber not set up plantations. He will also not issue any 100ha logging licences.(K 20/Jan/02)

• Jambi governor demands release of Reforestation Fund to stop destruction of 1.6 million ha forest in the province. Much illegal logging – 500 trucks per night – involvement of local military & officials (JP 31/Jan/02)

• Logging by PT Gandus and PT Inhutani I in concession area previously controlled by PT. Sinar Kaili is blamed for flooding of over 5000ha of villagers' lands and landslip on Palu - ToliToli road in C. Sulawesi (Walhi News 5/Feb/02)

• Parliamentary commission makes public suspicion that Riau Andalan Pulp & Paper is using illegal logging. The plant needs minimum of 300,000ha to supply production of 1.4 million t, but only has 100,000ha feeder plantation. The company did not give satisfactory answers about source of remainder (K 5/Feb/02).

• Senior navy personnel were among armed poachers caught by forest rangers in Way Kambas National Park. All 19 people were released by local police with no action. (Tempo 5-11/Feb/02)

• The Directorate General of Forest Protection and Nature Conservation is sending a team to control deforestation in South Sumatra at the request of local government who fear environmental disaster. An estimated 1.9 million ha of the province's 3.7 million ha of forests have been badly damaged. Worst hit areas are along the Jambi border, Lahat and Ogan Komering Ilir districts. Misuse of licences to log on private land (IPKTM) blamed (SP 14/Feb/02).

• 13 elephants rampaged through villages of Sikundur and Bahorok (N.Sumatra/Aceh). Deforestation in and around Gunung Leuser National Park blamed. (JP 14/Feb/02). Similar incident in W. Aceh: wild elephants ransack houses, force farmers to flee in Meureubo sub-district (JP 4/Mar/02).

• Timber companies in Banggai district (C. Sulawesi) have destroyed hundreds of thousands of hectares of forest, pretending they will establish plantations, say local NGO and community organisation. The suspected companies are PT Palopo Timber; PT Balantak Rimba Rejeki; PT Dahatama Adhikarya; Kurnia Luwuk Sejati; PT Nyiur Inti Mas; PT Kawisan Central Asia and PT Maliando Bangun Persada (JP 14/Feb/02).

• 12 illegal loggers caught in joint raid by local conservation officials and mobile police in Gunung Masigit Kareumbi (protected area in W. Java) (SP 14/Feb/02)

• The School of Forestry at the Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB) planted 2,500 teak trees at Walat Mountain near Hegarmanah village, Sukabumi, W. Java. The experimental project will generate income for local landowners, the village and IPB. (JP 19/Feb/02)

• 27 illegal saw mills closed in police operation in Bengkulu, W. Sumatra. Some of the timber is thought to come from Kerinci Seblat National Park. Local forest group (FACT) fears that the 40% of the forest which is forested is in danger from illegal logging, even forests in Protected areas (Ulayat 24/Feb/02; 25/Feb/02))

• East Kalimantan Environmental Impact Control Agency (Bapedalda) warned the Kutai Kartangera administration against exploiting the coal deposit on the 61,850-hectare protected Bukit and Sungai Soeharto. Kutai regency administration plans to exploit 122 million to 150 million tons of coal in the protected areas. The local assembly has given its approval on the grounds that mining would not cause any negative impact on protected forest areas. (JP 26/Feb/02)

• Journalist, Abi Kusno Nachran, investigating illegal logging in Central Kalimantan was attacked in Pangkalanbun and lost 4 fingers. Police have taken no action due to involvement of local MP. (Rasyid not mentioned by name!) (Tempo 26/Feb/02). About 1.6 million hectares of the 8.5 million hectares of production forest area in C.Kalimantan have 'business potential', says local forestry office. Licences have expired (A 4/Mar/02). C. Kal to get Rp 174 bn from Reforestation Fund this year (Arupa 5/Feb/02).

• Riau forests on the brink of destruction due to demand from giant pulp producers, Sinar Mas Group and Raja Garuda Mas Group according to WWF-CIFOR study. Plans to clear almost 500,000 hectares of natural forest in Sumatra by 2007. Although companies claim they will be self-sufficient by producers 2008, the areas planted will only meet 50% of demand says Chris Barr (JP 9/Feb/02).

• WWF Indonesia director Agus Purnomo said that to improve the pulp and paper sector, the Ministry of Forestry must firmly uphold its moratorium on the conversion of natural forests, adding that Indonesian pulp producers should allow an independent, public audit of their forestry operations and transparent monitoring of their wood supply program. Debt write-offs by IBRA give forestry companies a public subsidy (JP 9/Feb/02).

• Illegal logging in Lore Lindu National Park in Central Sulawesi threatens the 228,000 hectare-forest. At least 1,500 hectares of the forest has been destroyed or damaged, following last year's occupation by more than 1,000 people from Dongidongi, Kadidia and Kamarora villages in Palolo subdistrict. The occupation had spread to other areas with the villagers continuing to clear the forest, said Park head Bandjar who urged the provincial government to find land soon outside the forest for the villagers before evicting them. (JP 9/Feb/02). The whole area has been out of bounds to tourists since Sept last year due to this conflict (A 7/Feb/02). Conservation authority's position presented in paper by Park head Banjar Yulianto Laban at meeting on protecting national parks, Hotel Safari Garden-Cisarua- Bogor, 14 – 16 Feb/02. (vial INCL 10/Mar/02)

• Three Chinese-owned ships carrying illegally cut timber has become a test case of Indonesia's ability to crack down on the logging industry. The ships, loaded with 885,500 cubic feet of raw logs valued at about $3 million, were seized off the coast of Borneo in November. They are being held in Jakarta's Tanjung Priok port. Chinese ambassador in Jakarta has complained. Cost of lost business for the ship-owners is $4.5 million. (CSM 27/Feb/02)

• WEST PAPUA Local community organisations working with US-funded Indo-Pacific Conservation Alliance (http://www.indopacific.org ) stopped Barito Pacific subsidiary PT Mangole from extensive logging in the Simai area of Asmat northeast of Agats in late 2000. A survey by IPCA, Lembaga Musyawarah Adat Asmat (LMAA) and FAR (Forum Adat Rumpun) in Jan 2002 shows only 100-200ha of the 150,000ha concession were logged but this affected locals' sago palm stands. (via INCL 3/Mar/02). Papua governor JP Salossa has asked Jakarta to allow log exports from the province 'to stop illegal logging'. (A 14/Feb/02)

• Forestry minister Prakosa says deforestation due to illegal logging, log smuggling and fires is so serious that all further applications for forestry must be considered very carefully. Forests need time to recover 10-20 year ban on exploitation in restricted areas under consideration (BI 15/Jan/02).

• President Megawati expresses frustration at lack of reforestation to Indonesian environmentalists. Claims has repeatedly raise questions about misuse of Reforestation Fund (DPA 24/Jan/02)

• Forestry Dept will reject extensions to logging licences where logging potential is under 75 m3 per hectare. 80 extensions have been refused. Current licences will be reviewed, announced Prakosa. Further study and discussion is needed, he said. Minister is determined to prevent overlogging or clear felling of permanent forest estate. (BI received 10/Jan/02 via AS) Official announcement that the Indonesian government will not extend any logging contracts until a survey is conducted of all forest concessions. An 'independent institution' will survey all 375 HPHs starting in April, said Prakosa (AFP 28/Jan/02; BI 29/Jan/02).

• Forestry Dept has no intention of reducing the forestry levy (PSDH) despite falling domestic timber prices, says head of relevant directorate. Timber producers had complained. (BI received 11/Jan/02 via AS)

• Teams have been set up to review 150 cases where mining contracts overlap with areas of protected forest. Forestry Dept is working with Ministry of Mining & Energy and Economics minister, Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti. 116 still at exploration stage; 34 at exploitation stage. Purnomo & Sekkab have drawn up new operating regulation (PP) to modify Forestry Act and 'clarify the situation for investors' (i.e. to allow mining in protection forest?), but Prakosa says no new mines will be allowed in protection forest or conservation areas. A special team will investigate Gag Island case (Reuters 25/Jan/02; K 2/Feb/02; SP 2/Feb/02).

• New Echelon II officials appointed in Forestry Dept include: Dr. Hadi Pasaribu. Secretary General for DG Reforestation and Land Rehabilitation Ir. Bambang Murdiono, Head of Foreign Cooperation and Investment, Secretary General Dr. Yetti Rusli, Head of Forestry Planning Center, Planologi Agency Ir. Rahardjo Basuki Wijono, Director of Forest Protection, DG PHKA Ir. Tri Wibowo, Director of Forest Fire Control, DG PHKA (25/Jan/02 via FKKM)

• The government is preparing new regulations on logs to come in in March once log export moratorium ends in April, says Industry minister Rini M.S. Soewandi (BI 19/Feb/02).

• Prakosa rejects S. Kalimantan government plans to change the status of forest in Meratus mountains from protection forest to limited production. Decision supported by National Commission on Human Rights (KomnasHAM) (lpma received 20/Feb/02 via AS) This means PT Kodeco Timber will not get its logging concession of 46,000ha in the area (K 26/Feb/02). S. Kal governor says he will ignore the minister's decision (B.Post 9/Feb/02). He accuses local NGOs of supporting illegal loggers and fears cancellation of plans for a road and industrial development in Batulicin which depended on swap of Kodeco's concession area (B.Post 2/Mar/02) NB Local community statement rejecting gold mining by Placer Dome and Pelsart Resources NL in Meratus mountains 24/Feb/02 circulated by JATAM (http://www.jatam.org/english.html)

• Forestry Dept announces that 9 National Parks are to receive priority in an integrated forest management programme this year: Tanjung Puting (Kalteng), Lore Lindu (Sulawesi Tengah), Kerinci Seblat (Jambi), Bukit Tiga Puluh (Riau), Kutai (Kalimantan Timur), Meru Betiri (Jawa Timur), Bentuang Kerihun (Kalimantan Barat), Gunung Palung (Kalimantan Barat), Berbak (Jambi). Chosen because threatened by illegal logging. E.g. 30% of Tanjung Puting has suffered illegal logging. * NB Not Siberut! (Walhi News 25/Feb/02)

• Forestry Minister has revoked provincial and district governments' right to issue HPH and Forest Products Utilisation (IPHH) licences. Ministerial decree No.541/Kpts-II/202 annuls Nur Machmudi's Decree (No.05.1/Kpts-II/2000). Issued February 21; takes effect March 1, 2002. Kutai Kartanegara (EKal) says it will ignore the new decree. Industry (APHI) largely positive, but urge action proposal to process HPH extensions. Businessmen are complaining about operating difficulties as licence renewals currently frozen. (BI 1/Mar/02)

• Environment Minister Makarim said there will be internal reorganisation of his ministry to incorporate the Environmental Impact Agency Bapedal (Keppres No 24/2002). The ministry will continue to press the government on environmental issues and to provide information for local governments, local administrators and the public. Not clear who will do environmental monitoring at local level now. Some NGOs including WALHI and ICEL have publicly opposed the merger. (MI 8/Jan/02)

• Minister for Economic Development in Eastern Indonesia, Kaisiepo, visited Biak area of WP with 11 'national' companies (not named) to promote investment. Kapet Biak-Mimika covers Biak Nunfor, Yapen Waropen, Manokwari, Nabire and Mimika. Companies are attracted by govt inducements, but expressed their concerns about security (K 4/Feb/02).

• Minister of Mining & Energy announced govt is to revoke a presidential decree which suspended some infrastructure projects when the economic crisis first hit in 1997. The giant projects include the 1,320-megawatt coal-fired Tanjung Jati C power plant in Jepara, Central Java; the 330-megawatt Sarulla geothermal power plant in North Sumatra; a new airport in Medan, North Sumatra; several toll roads in Java and some property projects plus suspended power projects owned by 27 independent producers. (NB Will Tutut still benefit from the new toll roads??)(JP 6/Feb/02)

  Revision of the Regional Autonomy laws is going through. Aim is to secure national unity and prevent federalism. Home Affairs Minister Hari Sabarno insisted that only confusing and conflicting articles would be amended. New draft allows president to disband a regional assembly (BBC 30/Jan/02). A group of regency legislators met Co-ordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to reject the planned revision of the laws (JP 5/Feb/02). Golkar and the National Awakening Party PKB have publicly opposed revision of autonomy laws (JP 20/Feb/02).

• Indonesia declares 2002 Year of Ecotourism (JP 13/Feb/02). Conference Indigenous Peoples Interfaith Dialogue on Globalisation and Tourism, Jan 2002 in Thailand (inc. Indonesian reps) has issued strong statement on rights of IPs in face on mounting tourism pressure http://www.twnside.org.sg/ (TWN press release via Joyo 23/Feb/02)

• The Cancun Declaration: The Environment Ministers and representatives of Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico, Peru, South Africa and Venezuela, met in Cancun, Mexico, on 18 February. Agreed to establish the "Group of Like-Minded Megadiverse Countries" as a mechanism for consultation and co-operation through CBD. They will oppose biopiracy and press for more equal trade rules on patenting products based on plant and animal resources. (INCL 24/Feb/02)

• State forestry companies Inhutani I-V are not pleased that tens of thousands of hectares of forest concessions have been handed over to them because they can't make a profit from them. They blame regional autonomy (local regents issuing small-scale logging concessions & local regulations on social provision); 'security' (timber raids); withdrawal of Reforestation Fund payments for establishing timber estates (HTI). Profits of all Inhutani's have fallen drastically e.g. Inhutani I profits 1999 Rp70 bn; 2000 Rp53 bn; 2001 (to Nov) Rp7bn. (BI 4/Dec/01)

• Indonesia's wood processing industry is in deep trouble according to industry association MPI. Examples from W., S. and E. Kalimantan of companies experiencing shortages of logs. E.g. in W.Kal only 12/60 logging companies are active and 6/19 plywood factories. Timber demand is 2 million cu m/yr, but logging concessions & plantations produced only 1.1 million cu m last year. Companies resort to using timber from C.Kal, Sumatra and Papua – legally or illegally (K 8/Dec/01). BUT see below: oversupply of logs along R. Mahakam in E.Kal.

• Some wood processing companies in East Kalimantan have stopped work as workers are striking for minimum wage. Provincial government agreed Rp 634,000/mth; companies say can only afford Rp525,000/mth (RoL 12/Jan/02) Hundreds of large and small timber companies in the province have stopped operations, according to head of local chamber of commerce, due to demands for compensation from indigenous communities, levies from local administrators and falling timber prices. Unsold wood is piling up & rotting. Global plywood prices have fallen to US$ 200-230/m3, due to competition from China, Malaysia and Russia where costs are lower (sic!) (SP 19/Feb/02) Estimated 6 million cu m timber could go to waste in E. Kal due to over supply/illegal logging (K 24/Dec/01)

• Indonesia's forestry product exports to drop to US$7 billion this year, down 12.5 per cent from last year, says industry association head Soedradjat Djaja. Plywood exports down 9.99 per cent to US$1.44 billion in 2001, and exports of pulp and paper shrank by 29.3 per cent to US$380 million. MPI blames timber smuggling, illegal logging and lack of support from GoI for forestry industry (Asia Pulse/Antara 9/Jan/02)

• W. Kalimantan assembly calls on local administration to get 28 timber companies to pay Rp46.72 bn owing to Reforestation Fund and levies for 2001. (Walhi News 17/ Jan/02)

• Indonesia likely to cut rubber exports by issuing export quotas at 1.231 million metric tons this year, said Chairman of the Rubber Association of Indonesia, (Gapkindo). In 2000, Indonesia produced 1.6 million tons of rubber and exported 1.38 million tons. (Dow Jones 22/Jan/02) GoI to cut rubber production by 60,000 tonnes this year and 75,000 next year to raise sagging world prices, a senior agriculture ministry official says. Scheme will involve replanting old plantations, banning expansion of existing plantations and switching to alternative crop cultivation. Of Indonesia's 3.4 million hectares of rubber plantations, 107,300 hectares will be affected this year (AFP 23/Jan/02)

• Wonosobo local assembly has passed a regulation on community-based forest management . 20,000ha of plantation formerly owned by Perhutani will now be managed by a Forum comprising villagers, local govt & experts. Comes into force in April if approved by Jkt. Perhutani not v. pleased (JP 25/Jan/02).

• All four of the industry's major producers, Sinar Mas, Garuda Mas, Barito and Bob Hasan conglomerates, have been forced to pledge much of their physical assets to the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) to cover their debts. The study concludes that IBRA is likely to use public funds to write off at least 70 percent of these debts. (JP 9/Feb/02)

• Reforestation of 5.7 million ha is not taking place because state forestry companies, including Inhutani I, have no money and cannot use Reforestation Fund. Instead of rehabilitating forests, companies are just giving back licences to the Dept of Forestry after logging (K 12/Feb/02).

• All logging in natural or semi-natural forests is banned under 3 year moratorium imposed by W. Java governor on Nov 26th 2001(No.552.81/3339/HUK). Ban comes into effect March 2002. Perhutani's West Java operations (Unit III) are now limited to teak plantations, despite its protests. (K 9/Feb/02? Via Telapak; JP 23/Feb/02) .W. Java branch of Association of Pine Wood Suppliers has protested that to W. Java governor that moratorium threatens closure of 351 companies with loss of 45,000 jobs. Revenues from these companies estimated at over Rp1,000,000 bn (US$100 million) (PR 3/Dec/01) WALHI press conference on the W. Java logging moratorium 20/Feb in Jkt (Briefing document Ginting email 19/Feb/02)

• Pulp mills in Riau (RAPP and Indah Kiat) will suffer short supplies of timber for next 5 years as all natural forests locally will have been stripped but plantations not yet productive. Reduced production and higher costs for importing logs could mean western investors lose money. (Chris Barr's comments on Guardian 11/Feb/02 article on FOE's report on APRIL)

• Pressure on Jkt authorities to release 3 Chinese ships held for log smuggling since Nov and auction their 25,000 cu m cargo of illegal logs. EIA/Telapak urge govt to uphold it pledge to stop illegal logging (JP 9/Feb/02). Local NGOs in C. Kal (Green Forum) appeal to central govt to settle the case. They fear local corrupt politicians will benefit if case is handled in C. Kal.(Walhi Kalteng 18/Feb/02). Thousands of forestry workers in C. Kal are demanding that the cases are handled locally (Tempo 19-25 Feb/02).

• Concessions in Kalimantan 'under assessment' are hiring Brimob to protect concessions against locals. Illegal logging in all of them. Most have been cleared by LEI, but SGS & Smartwood awaiting outcome of P2P3 study.

• P2p3 team met with AMAN board (conf 1/Feb/02) PT Intracawood (currently seeking certification) hold a public presentation in Jkt 27/Feb/02 to which RAN and Indonesian NGOs invited.

• IMF policies, especially Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAPs), has caused forest degradation in South – including Indonesia . Report by American Lands The IMF: Funding deforestation was dismissed by Fund officials as inaccurate. (WRM Bulletin 54 13/Jan/02; Greenwire 30/Jan/02).

• Ujung Kulon and Komodo national parks are included in 6 protected areas worldwide to benefit from US$1 million UN project to promote conservation through ecotourism (26/Jan/02).

• Japan, Australian and S. Korea to give grant of US$ 1,419,431 to Indonesia via ITTO forestry projects: Japan US$1,358,350; Australia US$ 31,081 and S.Korea US$ 30,000. 4 projects – genetic diversity of meranti and perupuk; PRA in CBFM; plantation of dipterocarps; restructuring forestry industry (via INCL BI 10/Feb/02)

• European Union Trade Commissioner Pascal Lamy praised steps taken by Indonesia to curb illegal logging and deforestation, including seizure of ships carrying stolen timber (AFP 16/Feb/02)

• World Bank Forest Policy: release of much-delayed draft of the new Operational Policy (OP) on Forests is due late February Not clear yet if it will apply to WB's growing area of policy-based lending (structural adjustment loans aka programmatic lending), despite criticism in Jan 2000 OED review for Bank's lack of consideration of impacts of economic policies on forests. (WRM Bulletin 55 21/Feb/02).

• Villagers of Toka , Kotawaringin district, C. Kal, have asked local authorities to withdraw license from PT Trisetia. They say the company has not provided facilities for villages under PHMD scheme, has felled protected trees and promotes illegal logging. (B.Post 8/Jan/02)

• Survey of Tesso-Nilo forest in Riau by WWF shows rich biodiversity. WWF urges authorities to protect this 180,000ha lowland forest area as it is threatened by legal and illegal logging including giant pulp & paper companies in the province (WWF 4/Feb/02; AT 6/Feb via INCL 10/Feb). Full report at http://www.worldwildlife.org/species/attachments/tesso_nilo.pdf

• National resources are being drained to pay the burden of Indonesia's debts, say Walhi in their Environmental Analysis 2002. IMF requirement to allow log exports has stimulated illegal logging. The report also features 'good news' about the Wonosobo local regulation on community forestry in addition to many examples of forest destruction and pollution. Launch used to attack incorporation of Env. Impact Agency into Env. Ministry and to call for integrated natural resources law. (SP 14/Feb/02; Tempo 22-28/Jan/02 ).

• EIA/Telapak say GoI action against illegal logging is empty rhetoric. Urges more action against illegal logging, inc 3 ships held for timber smuggling (JP 9/Feb/02)

• An NGO coalition (led by WALHI & ICEL) says it will issue a legal challenge to the govt over the abolition of the Env. Impact Agency, Bapedal as an autonomous body (MI 18/Jan/02; K 18/Jan/02). ICEL, WALHI and WWF have protested to the minister and demonstrations have been held outsiode the offices. The NGOs have called for a judicial review to reverse the decision (Tempo 5-11 Feb/02).

• Villagers of Simpur and Kelumpang Hulu Sungai Selatan, backed by NGO Suluh Borneo are questioning local govt about a 'regreening' project supposed to have taken place in their area which has never materialised (B.post 14/Feb/02)

• Series of events including seminar, community action (tree planting etc) and 'a prayer for the forest' to be held in Trawas (E. Java), Surabaya & Solo 18-20 March by Env. Study Centre PPLH. (pplh@indo.net.id 19/Feb/02)

• International Crisis Group report, Indonesia: Natural Resources and Law Enforcement, urges Indonesia and the international community to take much tougher action against unsustainable and illegal practices to secure the viability of its industries in future, and also to reduce the risk of violence. (Press release dated 20/Dec/01 see www.crisisweb.org)

• "Trading away the last ancient forests" by Greenpeace points out what international institutions like the UNFF should be doing to ensure that trade supports sustainable forest management. Updated version of Nov 2001 version. http://www.greenpeace.org/politics/wto/Doha/reports/forestsummary.pdf (Nathalie.Rey@ams.greenpeace.org 28/Feb/2002)

• The State of the Forest: Indonesia, Global Forest Watch - Forest Watch Indonesia, 2002.The State of the Forest: Indonesia is the first comprehensive map-based assessment of the forests of Indonesia. It provides a detailed analysis of the scale and pace of change affecting Indonesia's forests.

• State of Indonesia's Forests (BI version) launched in Jkt 1/Mar/02 by Forest Watch Indonesia. Plus briefing papers on conflict, illegal logging, forest fires and floods (in BI)

• What drives tropical deforestation? A meta-analysis of proximate and underlying causes of deforestation based on subnational case study evidence, Helmut J. Geist & Eric F. Lambin, 2001, Land-Use and Land-Cover Change (LUCC) Report Series 4, Feb 2002, (http://www.geo.ucl.ac.be/LUCC/pdf/news_lucc7.pdf )

• Terrestrial Ecoregions of the Indo-Pacific: A Conservation Assessment, Wikramanayake, E., E. Dinerstein, J. Colby, Loucks, et al., 2001, Island Press ISBN 1-55963-923-7

• Negotiation support models for integrated natural resource management in tropical forest margins, van Noordwijk, M., T.P. Tomich and B. Verbist, 2001, Conservation Ecology 5(2): 21 (includes consideration of alternatives to 'slash & burn' agric in Indonesia) (http://www.consecol.org/vol5/iss2/art2)

• NRM/EPIQ launch natural resources database for Indonesia http://www.nrm.or.id (14/Feb/02)

• ILO report "Social and Labour Dimensions of the Forestry and Wood Industries on the Move" by Peter Poschen and Mattias Lovgren, 2002 (via CIFOR 27/Jan/02)

• APRIL Fools: The forest destruction, social conflict and financial crisis of Asia Pacific Resources International Holdings Ltd (APRIL), and the role of financial institutions and paper merchants, Ed Matthew of Friends of the Earth and Jan Willem van Gelder of Profundo, February 2002 (http://www.foe.co.uk/)

• Tangan-tangan Negara Menggenggam Hutan, Arupa, Feb 2002 (in BI – lack of responsibility of state for reforesting logged over concessions)

• Forgive us our debts, David Brown & Ruwi, Cifor/Telapak, Jan 2002 (IBRA & APP, Barito)

• Barr, C. and Resosudarmo, I.A.P. 2002 Decentralisation of forest administration in Indonesia: Implications for forest sustainability, community livelihoods, and economic development, CIFOR, Bogor, Indonesia (http://www.cifor.cgiar.org/publications/)