In a statement here on Wednesday, the minister said that on December 8, 2025, the Ministry of Forestry issued a circular regarding the use of wood that was washed away for post-flood recovery efforts, which can be used by the public and not for commercial purposes.
“This policy regulates that driftwood utilization is intended for emergency disaster response, rehabilitation and post-disaster recovery, and material assistance for affected communities, based on safety and humanitarian considerations, as long as it is not used for commercial activities,” the minister said.
Furthermore, to reinforce the circular, Antoni issued Ministerial Decree No. 863 of 2025 on December 29.
He explained that the decree emphasizes the use of driftwood resulting from floods as a material resource for rehabilitation and post-disaster recovery in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra provinces.
In addition, a moratorium on logging and wood transportation is also in place, meaning no legality documents for forest products are being issued.
Minister Antoni said the regulation was introduced in response to floods, which highlighted the declining protective function of forests.
The Ministry of Forestry is also conducting identification and recording of recovered wood in collaboration with the police and local governments.
“This measure was introduced in response to floods, which revealed the decline of forest protective functions due to exploitation pressures and illegal activities, to prevent ‘wood laundering’ and to maintain sensitivity among affected communities,” the minister said.
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Translator: Arnidhya, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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