Eradication of Illegal Logging - A real commitment or just more lip service?

The Government has recently issued Presidential Instruction No. 4 of 2005 on the Eradication of Illegal Logging in Forest Areas and the Distribution Throughout the Republic of Indonesia (“Inpres 4/2005”) with the intent of finally addressing this ongoing issue in a comprehensive manner. The government has been aware of the illegal log trade for a considerable period of time and has often issued Ministerial Decision, Presidential Decrees, and even amended relevant laws to increase the severity of punishments available for participation in smuggling activities, which illegal logging and the transport of the product of this crime is.