Indonesia Urges Delay in EUDR for Plantation Smallholders’ Sake

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia has expressed its earnest hope for a postponement in the implementation of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), citing the concerns of plantation smallholders. Musdhalifah Machmud, expert staff at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, conveyed this sentiment during the 2nd meeting of the Ad Hoc Joint Task Force (JTF) on the EUDR, held on February 2, 2024, in Putrajaya, Malaysia.

In a statement released on Saturday, Machmud emphasized the Indonesian government’s desire for a tangible solution from the Ad Hoc JTF, specifically in the form of a delayed implementation of the EUDR. She underscored the importance of mutual understanding and respect, urging the European Union to comprehend Indonesia’s request and take into consideration the sustainability efforts undertaken by the country.

Machmud highlighted that Indonesia adheres to sustainability principles based on its regulations and the Common but Differentiated Responsibility and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) principle. The government asserts its commitment to responsible practices in line with global sustainability goals.

Astrid Schomaker, Director of Green Diplomacy and Multilateralism at the European Commission (EC), reassured the EU’s commitment to collaborating with Indonesia and Malaysia to ensure the smooth implementation of the EUDR. The EC affirmed its willingness to work towards incorporating smallholders in deforestation-free supply chains.

The EC welcomed the commitment of both countries to developing a robust tracking system and strengthening certification processes. It also expressed eagerness to engage in discussions on forest mapping, aiming to create a national forest map aligned with the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) definition of forests.

The second meeting of the Ad Hoc JTF, held six months after the first meeting in Jakarta in August 2023, marks a crucial step in ongoing negotiations. The outcomes of this meeting will contribute valuable insights for the third meeting scheduled to take place in Brussels, Belgium, in September 2024. The collaborative efforts between Indonesia and the European Union aim to strike a balance between environmental conservation and the concerns of smallholders in the plantation sector.