Forest resources information in Indonesia: examining the systems, constraints and opportunities

Information is one of the keys to efficient forest management. In the past, information tended to focus on timber production and economic values. Today, there are broader concerns about sustainable management as well as the social and environmental values of forests. This has led to a growing demand for more diverse and more accurate information, which presents new and daunting challenges. CIFOR and partners in selected countries are studying the current systems of forest resources information to identify strengths and weakness, and opportunities for improvement. In Indonesia, the Ministry of Forestry (MoF) collaborated with CIFOR to examine the information systems and flows, and to analyze current constraints and future opportunities. Key MoF entities responsible for collecting, synthesizing and disseminating information include: Bureau of Planning; Directorate-General (DG) of Forest utilization; DG of Reforestation and Land Rehabilitation; DG of Forest Inventory and Land Use Planning; and Forest Research and Development Agency. The MoF/CIFOR study dissected the information and reporting flow from various field units to the Ministry. Periodic reports are required from forest concessions and industries, technical executing units, and regional and provincial forestry offices. However, field data and information are often inaccurate, unreliable, inconsistent or late. Many weaknesses also exist in data processing, especially with the lack of statistical analysis. In general, there are misconceptions and differences among local information sources, and a low level of people's participation in the process. Linkages to actual and potential users of information remain weak. Significant information gaps exist within and outside the formal forestry sector, notably for non-wood forest products, forest /tree resources on privately managed lands, and other resources that are vital for household and local economies. There are also important sources of important in other ministries and the private sector. The major constraints are linked to the limited capacities of may diverse elements-institutional, human, technical, financial and infrastructure-which are essential for effective information systems and flows. Future opportunities hinge on improving coordination, developing human resources, securing management commitment, adopting participatory approaches, engaging more information/communications professionals, and collaborating with CIFOR and other international organizations to address some of identified constraints