Challenges facing independent monitoring networks in the Indonesian timber legality assurance system

The Indonesian timber legality verification system was launched ten years ago with the objective of eradicating illegal logging and improving domestic forest governance. At the heart of the legality system, independent monitoring (IM) was designed as an innovation to ensure its credibility and legitimacy. This paper analyzes the challenges facing IM networks in the Indonesian timber legality assurance system and examines what lessons can be learned to further develop ideas and strategies that strengthen the effectiveness of their activities. The current experience in Indonesia suggests that IM still faces some major structural challenges to fulfill high expectations. Above all, the existence and roles of IM bodies within the legality system are not yet fully understood and are often questioned by other stakeholders. There has been some degree of skepticism about their impartiality. IM is also constrained by the limited personnel available to manage it. This situation is not aided by the complex administrative requirements to become involved in IM activities. Access to data and information is another challenge that may hinder the role IM can play in fostering good forest governance. Furthermore, IM relies heavily on donor funding to finance their project-based activities. IM bodies need to explore models and schemes for more sustainable funding for their activities.