A transparent and accountable audit process by Conformity Assessment Bodies (CAB) is one of the advantages of the Indonesian Legality and Sustainability Verification System (SVLK) so that it can support better forest governance.
Karina Restu Panggalih, Sustainable Forest Management Auditor at PT Mutuagung Lestari, one of the CABs, said that based on the regulations of the Minister of Environment and Forestry, an institution can become a CAB after receiving accreditation from the National Accreditation Committee (KAN).
“Accreditation is based on the international standard ISO17065 in 2012 regarding the criteria for financial institutions implementing product, process and service certification systems,” said Karina during a discussion between the CAB Forum and a delegation of forestry experts from Laos in Jakarta, Tuesday 24 October 2023.
The Lao delegation visited Indonesia to study the implementation of SVLK facilitated by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), the German Development Bank (KfW), and the European Forest Institute (EFI). Members of the delegation included the national government, provincial governments, academics, business actors and civil society organizations (NGOs).
Before meeting the CAB Forum, the Lao Delegation visited the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) and held a meeting with forestry business associations. They also held meetings with Indonesian NGOs which are independent monitors of SVLK and will make field visits to East Java.
Karina explained that the SVLK audit refers to the regulations set by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. These regulations are Minister of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) Regulation No. P.08/2021 concerning Forest Management and Preparation of Forest Management Plans and Minister of Environment and Forestry Decree No. 9895/2022 concerning Standards and Guidelines for Implementing the Legality and Sustainability Verification System (SVLK).
