In a hearing with Commission IV of the House of Representatives (DPR) on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, the World Wide Fund (WWF) Indonesia, raised serious concerns over the country’s forest condition, warning of a growing “empty forest syndrome” − forests that appear intact but are ecologically barren.

“Many of our forests still look green, but they are biologically empty due to poaching and ecosystem degradation. This is directly linked to rising hydro-meteorological disasters like floods and landslides,” Aditya Bayunanda, Chair of the Board of WWF Indonesia, said during a parliamentary hearing on the revision of Law No. 41/1999 on Forestry on Tuesday.

He emphasized the urgent need to strengthen the role of Forest Management Units (KPH), which he said are currently underfunded and ineffective.

“KPHs are supposed to be the backbone of forest management at the local level, but right now, they are underpowered and lack the budget to function properly,” he said.

WWF urged the lawmakers to ensure that the revised forestry law promotes inclusive, sustainable, and rights-based forest governance.

Aditya stressed the importance of recognizing community forest rights and strengthening the legal status of hutan hak (customary and private forests).

He called for a fundamental paradigm shift − from an exploitative model to one that is restorative and conservation-based.

“The revised law must support forest preservation and empower local communities as key actors, not just passive recipients,” Aditya said.

WWF also recommended reinstating the legal mandate to maintain at least 30 percent forest cover on each island, and to provide incentives for those who actively engage in forest restoration and protection efforts.

Today’s hearing marks a pivotal moment in the revision of Indonesia’s forestry legislation, as the country grapples with escalating climate impacts, biodiversity loss, and tenure conflicts.