Ecobiz.asia — Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry has signed a cooperation agreement with the Indonesian Forestry Certification Cooperation (IFCC) to strengthen certification systems for sustainable forest management and forest-based products, including emerging carbon market mechanisms.
The agreement, signed by the Directorate General of Sustainable Forest Management on Tuesday (Nov. 25, 2025), is seen as a strategic step to align Indonesia’s forestry practices with international sustainability standards and improve the sector’s global competitiveness.
“The aim is to build market mechanisms that support accountable, high-integrity, and innovative forest management,” Director General Laksmi Wijayanti said after the signing ceremony.
Laksmi said Indonesia must ensure forest utilisation remains sustainable, noting ongoing gaps in industry capacity from upstream to downstream. Wood, she stressed, is a renewable resource that can be managed responsibly if proper standards are applied.
The forestry sector remains a major employer and supplier of industrial raw materials, but tighter global sustainability requirements demand improved compliance. Internationally recognised certification, she said, will help industry actors meet those demands.
Beyond timber products, certification will also extend to new instruments such as forest-based carbon credits. “Cooperation with a global certification body is essential to ensure that the national carbon market aligns with international standards,” Laksmi said. “This is about elevating Indonesia’s forest management.”
IFCC, a non-profit organisation, develops national sustainable forest management standards. Its Chair Saniah Widuri said the organisation aims to promote sustainable forestry through credible, nationally tailored standards.
IFCC is endorsed by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), which has certified 328 million hectares of forests worldwide. IFCC also serves as the PEFC National Governing Body in Indonesia.
Saniah said IFCC engages diverse stakeholders in standard-setting and works with accreditation and certification bodies to maintain system integrity in line with national and international regulations. *** (Putra Rama Febrian)
