(Jakarta)- The Eyes on the Forest (EoF) coalition's book of investigative reports "Mata Tajam Eyes on the Forest" was launched by the Minister of Environment and Forestry, Siti Nurbaya Bakar at the Manggala Wanabhakti Auditorium, Jakarta, Monday, October 23, 2017. A book "Behind the Ecosystem Crisis" by Prof. Hariadi Kartodihardjo which is a collaboration with the KEHATI Foundation and LP3ES Publishers was also launched simultaneously.

Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar welcomed the publication of the two books and acknowledged that the findings and recommendations of the EoF coalition have become a reference for the Minister's policies and are often reported to President Joko Widodo. The Minister urged staff at KLHK to read both books based on the research. The EoF coalition itself consists of Jikalahari, WALHI Riau and WWF-Indonesia Central Sumatra Program.

"We are ready to receive input, as we showed by holding the launch of these two books. We must appreciate all efforts from various parties who are sincere about improving governance in the forestry sector," said LHK Minister Siti Nurbaya.

EoF's Sharp Eyes book is a form of reflection from 2005 to 2017, not only for the coalition, but also the public. Most of the concerns and criticisms expressed in the findings report need to be addressed with improvements by the Government. The book also outlines critiques of some of the thinking that underpins action in the management of forests and other natural resources and the environment.

"Friends in the coalition never imagined that our activities for 12 years could be launched here, at the Manggala Wanabhakti Building," said Aditya Bayunanda, Director of PST WWF-Indonesia who represented EoF in giving remarks. "This shows that the government is now more open to suggestions and criticisms from community groups as long as they are based on facts and are responsible," Aditya added.

Meanwhile, Woro Supartinah from Jikalahari delivered the epilogue of the book and asked the government to follow up on the field findings of the EoF coalition.

The launch of the 2 books was enlivened by an EoF Investigative Photo Exhibition and a Talk Show themed "Counteracting Forestry and Environmental Crimes in Indonesia."

Speakers discussed effective solutions to enforce the law to eradicate forestry and environmental crimes. The speakers consisted of Setri Yasa (Executive Editor of TEMPO Magazine), Emerson Yuntho (Indonesian Corruption Watch), Jasmin Ragil Utomo (Director of Dispute Settlement LH KLHK), Siti Maimunah (Sayogyo Institute) and Chicco Jerikho, WWF Warrior.

On this occasion EoF gave awards to three inspirational figures in saving the forest. They are Cik Manan (leader of Meranti Islands, Riau), Prof. Bambang Hero Sahardjo (forestry crime investigator) and Rahdhini Ikaningrum (Kompas TV journalist). The full report of EoF coalition activities can be accessed at www.eyesontheforest.or.id.