ENVIRO NEWS ASIA, LONDON – The Indonesian Embassy in London initiated a Stakeholders Dialogue with the UK timber industry amidst growing concerns over sustainability and legality raised by the European Union and the UK through policies like the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and the UK Timber Regulations.
The dialogue is part of the Indonesian government’s efforts to boost timber exports to the UK. The Indonesian Ambassador to the UK, Ireland, and IMO, Desra Percaya, highlighted the negative stigma surrounding Indonesian wood products related to deforestation.
“Indonesian timber products are known for their beauty, durability, and quality, but they are still perceived as unsustainable, even though Indonesia has implemented various programs such as the Timber Legality Assurance System (SVLK) and Sustainable Forest Management to meet the sustainability criteria of the UK and European countries,” he stated during the meeting, as noted in a press release on Saturday (January 11, 2025).
The forum agreed on the desire to increase timber imports from Indonesia. “I’ve been doing business with Indonesia for more than 40 years and have always been satisfied with the quality of Indonesian timber,” said Chris Sutton, Chairman of Timber Development UK, who participated as a speaker.
Meanwhile, Emily Fripp, Managing Director of EFECA, noted that UK businesses are still awaiting updates on the UK government’s policy regarding Forest Risk Commodities, which is currently under internal review.
“However, I believe this policy will not significantly affect timber products from Indonesia,” she added.
Another speaker, David Hopkins, CEO of Timber Development UK, emphasized the importance of promoting the quality of Indonesian timber products.
In December 2022, Indonesia’s SVLK was updated to enhance transparency and traceability by utilizing information technology and geolocation. This system has been recognized by the European Union, meaning Indonesian timber products do not require additional due diligence procedures.
According to the Trade Attaché at the Indonesian Embassy in London, Ayu Siti Maryam, Indonesian timber exports to the UK have shown a positive trend over the past five years, with a growth rate of 0.45%. However, its market share remains small compared to timber products from countries like China, Sweden, and Finland.
The UK government’s commitment to increasing timber usage in construction and the World Bank’s prediction of a fourfold rise in global demand by 2050 present opportunities for expanding the market for Indonesian timber in the UK. *
