- Indonesian lawmaker Dr Fadli Zon has reached out to European counterparts in support of the EUDR delay;
- Letter says that EUDR in its current form has been “detrimental” to economic ties between the EU and Indonesia.
Indonesian parliament members have written to their counterparts in the European Union, supporting their calls for a delay to the implementation of the EUDR.
In the letter, addressed to the EPP’s Environmental Spokesperson Peter Liese, Indonesian lawmaker Dr. Fadli Zon expresses support for the approach by what is now the largest grouping in European Parliament. He writes:
“I am writing to express our appreciation for your efforts in raising concerns about the implementation of the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). We are particularly grateful for your proposal of a two-year delay in its implementation.
“Indonesia, in alignment with many MEPs, EU Member States, and a significant number of the EU’s trading partners, strongly supports a delay in the EUDR’s implementation.
“This postponement is crucial to address and resolve the numerous uncertainties that the regulation has created. We believe that such a delay would provide the necessary time to refine the regulation, ensuring it achieves its intended environmental goals without unduly burdening farmers, foresters and the EU’s trade relationships.
“The uncertainty that the EUDR has created for the European forestry sector and manufacturers also impacts many of Indonesia’s producers and exporters. And, similar to European concerns, it will disproportionately impact small-scale farmers. Moreover, the additional cost burden will also flow to European consumers.
It is our view that the EUDR, in its current form, has been detrimental to Indonesia-EU economic relations. As a key trading partner and a nation committed to sustainable development, we are concerned about the potential long-term impacts of this regulation on our bilateral economic ties.”
Dr Fadli has extensive ties to the agriculture sector in Indonesia, chairing the Indonesian Farmers Association (HKTI) in 2015–2020, and is currently serving his second term until 2025.