RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian forestry products are increasingly targeting the United States market, with government officials and industry leaders confident that rising global demand for legally sourced timber will open new export opportunities.

Indonesian Ambassador to the United States, Dwisuryo Indroyono Soesilo, said Indonesia continues to strengthen the competitiveness of its forestry products through legality and sustainability systems. He noted that American consumers are increasingly demanding products with transparent supply chains and clear environmental standards.

“Indonesia is the first country in the world to implement a mandatory national timber legality system through SVLK+ (System for Verification of Legality and Sustainability),” Indroyono said in Jakarta on Saturday, May 16, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He added that this situation creates significant opportunities for domestic producers to expand their market share in the US. Beyond boosting exports, the trend is expected to strengthen mutually beneficial trade relations between the two countries.

Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni emphasized that trade relations in forestry products between Indonesia and the US have been ongoing for more than three decades, built on trust, product quality, and a commitment to sustainable forest management.

“Indonesian plywood imported into the US does not come from illegally managed forests. Our products are certified, traceable, and their legality is verified through the SVLK+ system, which is among the most comprehensive in the world,” he said during an international webinar hosted by the Indonesian Embassy in Washington, DC.

Raja Juli explained that more than 70 percent of Indonesia’s plywood exports to the US have been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or SVLK+. The government is also encouraging diversification of forestry products to reduce reliance on plywood and Dipterocarp wood, highlighting potential in species suitable for construction, furniture, and recreational vehicles.

Director General of Sustainable Forest Management at the ministry, Laksmi Wijayanti, said SVLK+ is continuously updated to align with global regulations, including the US Lacey Act and the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

“SVLK+ helps buyers and importers understand product origins and provides systematic proof of compliance with international regulations,” she said.

Laksmi added that Indonesia’s vast production forest areas are managed under strengthened governance, supported by multisectoral oversight, digitalization, satellite-based monitoring, and geolocation-based traceability systems with QR codes.

Indonesian Forestry Entrepreneurs Association (APHI) chairman Soewarso noted that the US remains a primary strategic partner for the national timber industry. Indonesia’s processed timber exports to the US in 2025 are projected to reach USD 1.94 billion, accounting for 15 percent of Indonesia’s total global exports.

He said shifts in the global trade landscape present both challenges and opportunities for the forestry industry. “Open and constructive dialogue between the government, business actors, and trading partners is crucial to maintaining fair and sustainable trade relations,” he said.

Soewarso stressed that Indonesia remains committed to promoting sustainable forest management, legal timber trade, and strengthening transparent and accountable forest governance. ***