In the near future we should seek for the most appropriate incentive we can give to the companies in order to accelerate their performance achievements and to comply with the (sustainable forst management) indicators. I am convinced that by the time the market give their premium price to purchase furniture products and crafts, this will motivate other companies,” said MS. Kaban the Minister of Forestry during the seminar of “The Green Furniture” in Jakarta, Saturday (8/3).

The seminar was held by Indonesian Ecolabeling Institute (LEI), The nature Conservancy (TNC) and Indonesian Furniture and Craft Industry Association (Asmindo), as part of the International Furniture and Craft fair Indonesia (IFFINA) 2008 in Pekan Raya Jakarta.

Asmindo accommodates 3,000 small and micro furniture and craft enterprises. The industry has provided work opportunity for 11 million people.

Almost 60% of the furniture and craft industry’s wood raw materials are originated from community plantation forest, and the rest of the materials originated from natural forest areas.

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The General Chairman of Asmindo, Ambar Tjahyono said that Asmindo has encouraged its members to start planting forest areas with premium teakwood seeds. This is done by collaborating with community members residing around the forest areas.

Furniture and craft are one of the main 10 national products. This can be seen in the export performance of which in 2007 is estimated to reach the number of USD 2.7 billon (IDR 24.3 trillions) increasing from USD 2.5 billion (IDR 22.5 trillions) in 2006

We would like to proof that the Indonesian furniture and craft products are originated from environmentally friendly materials,” said Ambar.

LEI Executive Director, Taufiq Alimi added that, Indonesia possesses 1.5 million hectares of community forest areas managed by 3.5 million families. The wood processing industries located around the community forest areas can absorb a minimum workforce of 1.2 million people. (ham)