Independent Monitors

Independent Monitors

Monitoring activity by Independent Monitors is inseparable element in SVLK scheme. Monitoring is carried out as a form of supervision towards public services in forestry field, to maintain accountability, credibility, and integrity in SVLK system. The intended monitoring is Monitoring in LP/VI accreditation, assessment and issuance of S-PHPL, S-LK, DKP, complaint handling, due diligence, V-Legal document, and/or V-Legal logo affixing.

Monitoring activity is carried out by Independent Monitors, that is civil society either individual or Indonesian legal entity. Independent Monitoring is carried out towards all stages in the assessment of PHPL and VLK, that is since there is an announcement assessment schedule until the issuance of V-Legal document.

Picture 1. Element and Scheme of SVLK

The fact that the number of the monitors joined in JPIK and other network is not comparable to the number of timber industry in Indonesia which the total is 3.172 industries (which were indicated in 2020), that number does not include forest areas that are mandatory certified through the SVLK which the area is

>25 million ha. This indicates that monitoring work is not an easy work, but JPIK and the community network keep trying to carry out monitoring activities from upstream to downstream in order that the monitoring activity can run maximally.

Challenges and Constraints faced by Independent Monitors are; a) The limitation of the Monitors number; b) The security/safety because Independent Monitors in the field still often get threats verbally and non-verbally; c) The funding to Independent Monitors is still minimum; d) Information access. Independent Monitors can’t get full access to information data, one of them is SIPUHH online; e) Covid-19 Pandemic. This is a new challenge for Independent Monitors. So, it needs a monitoring method development in this activity limitation

Picture 2. Challenge on Carrying Out Monitoring