Indonesian timber company Perhutani claims it is still committed to sustainably managing its teak forests in central Java despite the cancellation of its eco-labelling certificate by American certification body Rainforest Alliance (RA) (TTJ September 1).
RA temporarily suspended the eco-labelling certificates until Perhutani improved management practices.
Perhutani president Marsanto insists the loss of certification does not mean the company failed to manage its forests well. ‘We remain committed to preserving our forests with or without the certificates as the forest is our source of livelihood,’ he added.
Meanwhile local furniture companies say they may have to cease trading as they cannot get certified teakwood.
