Jakarta, Indonesia. May 12, 2008 – Today WWF Indonesia welcomes GFTN-Indonesia new forest participant, PT Inhutani I Simendurut Unit. PT Inhutani I is a State Owned Enterprise operating in forestry sector, specifically in forest management and forestry industry. The participation agreement signing formally marked PT Inhutani I commitment in responsible forest management practice.

Currently PT Inhutani I manage 630,000 Ha of natural forest. Located in East Kalimantan and South Sulawesi, PT Inhutani I divided its operation into three units: Tarakan, Balikpapan and Makassar. Tarakan Unit manages four forest management units (FMU): Simendurut, Pimping, Segah Hulu and Pangean and one industrial management unit in Juata, Tarakan. Today’s participation agreement signing officiates the engagement between GFTN-Indonesia and PT Inhutani I Simendurut Unit. Simendurut manages forest with the total area of 50,220 Ha in East Kalimantan. The company’s markets are Europe, Japan and the US, with Europe as its biggest market.
 
“Borneo and Papua are two crucial areas to WWF for its uniqueness and high conservation value. Having a highly committed company that is pushing to become a certified timber source from these areas is a step ahead in implementing responsible forest management,” said GFTN-Indonesia Coordinator Aditya Bayunanda.
Indonesia is associated closely to negative image in its forestry sector, such as illegal logging and deforestation. Therefore, engaging with local timber companies and forest concessions that are committed to achieve responsible forest management are strategic key for GFTN in attaining better image for Indonesian forestry business.
PT Inhutani I Managing Director Irsyal Yasman stated that Indonesian forestry should moving forward by implementing unconventional ways. “WWF is an organization which making innovations in conservation act. We are hoping that through WWF GFTN-Indonesia participation, we could have partner in discussing about fresh improvements on forestry such as REDD and carbon market,” added Yasman.
Previously, GFTN Indonesia has engaged with PT Inhutani II on 11 May 2006. PT Inhutani II is located in Laut Island, Borneo, and is in progress toward certification.
About World Wildlife Fund
For more than 45 years, WWF has been protecting the future of nature. The largest multinational conservation organization in the world, WWF works in 100 countries and is supported by 1.2 million members in the United States and close to 5 million globally. WWF's unique way of working combines global reach with a foundation in science, involves action at every level, from local to global, and ensures the delivery of innovative solutions that meet the needs of both people and nature. Go to worldwildlife.org to learn more.
About PT Inhutani I
PT Inhutani I is a State Owned Enterprise operating in forestry sector, specifically in forest management and forestry industry. Currently PT Inhutani I manage 630,000 Ha of forest that located in East Kalimantan and South Sulawesi. PT Inhutani I divided its operation into three units for efficiency reason. The three units are Tarakan, Balikpapan and Makassar. Tarakan Unit manages four forest management units (FMU): Simendurut, Pimping, Segah Hulu and Pangean and one industrial management unit in Juata, Tarakan. Simendurut manages forest with the total area of 50,220 Ha. For more information: www.inhutani1.co.id.
About the Global Forest & Trade Network
The Global Forest & Trade Network (GFTN) is WWF’s initiative to combat illegal and unsustainable logging. The Network promotes responsible management of valuable and threatened forests in the Amazon, Amur-Heilong (Russia), Borneo, Sumatra, Congo, Mekong (Southeast Asia) and other areas where forests are threatened. GFTN assists companies in evaluating their procurement and implementing appropriate action plans to ensure sustainable supply. By facilitating trade links between companies committed to responsible forestry, the GFTN creates market conditions that help conserve forests while providing economic and social benefits for the businesses and people that depend on them. More than 370 companies are members of the GFTN, including manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, forest owners and managers. Read more about our work on sustainable forestry at: www.gftn.panda.org

For further information:
Aditya Bayunanda, WWF, abayunanda@wwf.or.id, +62 21 576 1070
Irsyal Yasman, Inhutani I, iyasman@cbn.net.id; dirut@inhutani1.co.id, +62 21 724 3788