The FSC Remedy Forum commenced on 22-23 June in Jakarta, bringing together stakeholders from across the Asia-Pacific region to address the transformative potential and practical challenges of the FSC Remedy Framework.
The day began with a welcome address from Raja Juli Antoni, Minister of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia, who emphasized Indonesia’s openness to collaborate and commitment to continuous improvement through two task forces: Indigenous Forest and Multi-Business of Forestry. Raja delivered a powerful message:
"Never forget your past, but it is possible to forgive. The government supports the remedy process, ready to hear, as part of nation healing, and wants to provide a solution. I am willing to open myself to FSC, on the facilities, and this is for a good deed and the people can be prosperous. The forestry development must provide community welfare and fulfil their rights, economic development and growth, and in a sustainable manner. Forestry development and growth, which is very important for this country, both can work aligned together."
The day featured a keynote from Subhra Bhattacharjee, Director-General of the Forest Stewardship Council:
"With the Remedy Forum, FSC wants to create a space for local communities to share their experiences, learn from them and use the actionable recommendations to strengthen the implementation of remedy."
Reflecting on the first day of the two-day Remedy Forum, the event was marked by energetic dialogue and knowledge sharing among diverse stakeholders from the Asia-Pacific region engaged with the FSC Remedy Framework. Here’s a sneak peek into the day’s discussions:
- Salem Jones opened the Forum, highlighting FSC’s aspiration to foster genuine engagement and learn from stakeholders and impacted communities.
- Marc Jessel delivered the welcome address, envisioning the transformative social, environmental, and economic impacts of remedy in the APAC region.
- Cindy Cheng, Regional Director of FSC APAC, and Charmaine Chee, Country Director of FSC Malaysia, explored the complexities and potential pathways for advancing remedies in APAC.
- Community representatives called for greater transparency and expanded capacity-building to enable more meaningful participation in remedy processes.
- Elim Sritaba, Chief Sustainability Officer at APP Group, and Chris Burchmore, Sustainability professional at APRIL, addressed the practical challenges of implementing the Remedy Framework. Dwi Muhtaman, CEO of Remark Asia, shared insights from direct engagement with impacted communities.
Day one focused on defining successful remedy in practice, identifying barriers, and establishing a forward-looking roadmap for the region. Day two, the Forum advances to innovation and action—showcasing solutions to accelerate remedy through stakeholder engagement, scientific and technological initiatives, and collaborative strategies for long-term forest restoration and community resilience.
Looking ahead, we anticipate more diverse perspectives on how to restore the world’s forests and support resilient communities—every forest deserves a chance to heal.