Indonesia: Aceh custom council launches Sharia-based management forest book

Senin Jakarta Globe 25 Aug 14;

Banda Aceh (ANTARA News) - Aceh Custom Council (MAA) is launching a forest management handbook based on sharia and customary law compiled by Acehs traditional and public figures to support sustainable forest management in Sumatra.

"The book describes how Islamic and custom laws established the environment, including sustainable forest management," the chairman of MAA, H Badruzzaman, said here on Monday.

The book is published by the MAA in cooperation with Strengthening Integrity and Accountability Program (SIAP) II.

SIAP II, which is run by a consortium, consisting of World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Indonesia, Transparency International Indonesia, and Indonesia Working Group on Forest Finance, is a part of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) program.

Badruzzaman said Sharia law, both Al-Quran and Al-Hadith, has established many factors related to the balance of life, including the relationship of Allahs creatures.

According to him, relationship also covers the surrounding environment, what is allowed and what is not allowed, as well as the threats that could occur due to human violation.

"Aceh has experiences in the history of custom forest management, and it is to be collected and brought back to life through the spirit of Aceh today," Badruzzaman said.

Meanwhile, the CEO of WWF Indonesia Dr. Efransjah noted that the role of civil society in promoting sustainable forest management is a necessity, so the MAAs involvement in this effort is important.

"Moreover, the pressure on the remaining forests in Sumatra is getting greater. If this condition is neglected, within 20 years, Acehs forest biodiversity could become extinct," he claimed.

Acehs forest is the last hope for remaining natural forests in Sumatra. With an area of 3.3 hectares, Acehs forests should be managed with sustainable forest management that is acceptable to all the people in Aceh.

Acting Director of USAID Indonesia Derrick Brown stated that the book was the result of consultation with community leaders. The book is expected to be a guide for ending corruption in the forestry sector.

"Deforestation in Aceh also has implications for other countries, including the United States. Therefore, the American government through USAID has been helping to preserve the forests in Aceh," he added.
(T.KR-LWA/Uu.INE//KR-BSR/F001)