Jakarta — Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry has launched a new digital grievance platform that allows the public to report suspected forestry crimes and monitor authorities’ responses in real time, as part of a broader effort to strengthen forest law enforcement and biodiversity protection.
The platform was introduced on Wednesday, June 10, alongside the launch of the LEVERAGE (Law Enforcement for Sustainable Viable Ecosystems and Biodiversity Resilience through Multi-Sectors Engagement) project, a collaborative initiative supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the Global Environment Facility (GEF-8).
Speaking at the launch in Jakarta, Deputy Forestry Minister Rohmat Marzuki said the technology-based grievance system is designed to enhance transparency, accountability and public participation in combating forestry crimes.
The platform will serve as a channel for social oversight, enabling citizens to submit reports on alleged violations and track case handling through a real-time monitoring system.
Rohmat outlined six priorities for the LEVERAGE project and the new complaint mechanism, including alignment with Indonesia’s FOLU Net Sink 2030 agenda, stronger habitat protection, cross-sector law enforcement, community participation, institutional learning and integrity in complaint handling. He also highlighted the importance of cyber intelligence and digital patrols to tackle the growing illegal wildlife trade on social media platforms.
The deputy minister further reiterated President Prabowo Subianto’s commitment to forestry law enforcement, including plans to recruit an additional 21,000 forest rangers.
Forestry Law Enforcement Director General Dwi Januanto Nugroho said the LEVERAGE project seeks to build a comprehensive enforcement ecosystem that involves law enforcement agencies, financial authorities, researchers, and other stakeholders. Meanwhile, UNDP Indonesia Resident Representative Sarah Ferrer Olivella described biodiversity conservation as a development, economic and climate priority for Indonesia.
Ministry pushes revisions to Forestry Law
A day earlier, the ministry presented its proposals for revisions to Indonesia’s Forestry Law during deliberations on the fourth amendment to Law No. 41/1999 on Forestry.
Rohmat said the law needs updating to reflect major developments in forest governance, legal frameworks and environmental policies over the past two decades. The ministry is seeking greater legal certainty for forest management while ensuring recognition of Indigenous peoples’ rights and of communities living in and around forest areas.
The proposed revisions also aim to address Constitutional Court rulings on forest area designation and customary forests, accelerate the resolution of long-standing land tenure conflicts, and strengthen regulations governing environmental services and carbon markets.
According to the ministry, the current law predates the emergence of carbon trading, carbon credits and payment schemes for ecosystem services, creating a need for clearer legal foundations. Proposed amendments cover areas such as social forestry, Indigenous peoples, forest rehabilitation, forestry financing, information systems and law enforcement. (nsh)
Banner photo: Ministry of Forestry
