[Jakarta, 27 February 2019] Members of Parliament remain only half-hearted in advancing the Draft Bill on the Conservation of Biodiversity and Ecosystems (RUU KSDAHE). To date, deliberations on the bill have stalled, despite the urgent need for a stronger legal framework on conservation.
This was emphasized by the #Vote4Forest coalition during a public discussion today (27/2) on “A Study of Parliament Members’ Track Records in the Legislative Process of Environment-Related Bills.” The study focuses on the perspectives and tendencies of lawmakers in Senayan during the legislative process of the KSDAHE Bill.
#Vote4Forest is a collaborative initiative of Yayasan Madani Berkelanjutan, WikiDPR, and Change.org Indonesia, aimed at providing the public with information on legislators’ environmental track records ahead of the 2019 elections.
“The current conservation law in Indonesia, Law No. 5/1990 on KSDAHE, is no longer relevant to the complex challenges faced on the ground. After 29 years without revision, it is outdated and unable to respond to rapid technological developments and emerging threats such as wildlife crime,” said Trias Fetra, researcher at Yayasan Madani Berkelanjutan.
“While there are factors beyond the DPR that affect the passing of this bill, lawmakers should engage more intensively with the government and ensure meaningful consultation with the public and stakeholders to accelerate its enactment,” Trias added.
Data from Wildlife Conservation Society Indonesia show that cases of wildlife crime increased sharply from 106 cases in 2015 to 225 cases in 2017. Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) reported in 2018 that the illegal trade in wildlife and plants generates transactions worth more than IDR 13 trillion annually. This indicates that the existing legal framework is not effective in preventing crimes or providing sufficient deterrence.
Key Findings of the Study
The #Vote4Forest study on the KSDAHE Bill reveals that lawmakers’ tendencies are largely positive, with 84% expressing supportive sentiment during meetings and deliberations. Only 16% remained neutral or did not take a clear stance.
Ironically, despite this overwhelming positive sentiment, the bill has yet to be passed, even though it has remained in the National Legislative Priority Program (Prolegnas) for the past three years.
Another key finding is that most lawmakers with positive tendencies come from electoral districts containing conservation areas. However, this does not guarantee faster legislative progress.
The study examined 34 DPR members actively involved in the deliberation process. Of these, 31 members (91%) are running again in the 2019 legislative elections. Among those seeking re-election, 29 members (94%) represent districts with conservation areas, while only 6% come from districts without such areas.
Lawmakers’ awareness and concern for environmental protection and biodiversity conservation should serve as an indicator of their commitment to listening to constituents and fulfilling citizens’ constitutional right to a healthy environment, as mandated by Article 28 and Article 33 paragraph 4 of the 1945 Constitution.
“Ironically, the DPR’s legislative achievement in 2018 fell far short of expectations. Out of 49 targeted bills, Parliament only passed 10 into law—and not a single environment-related bill was completed, including the KSDAHE Bill,” said Adrian Putra from WikiDPR.org.
“This study is intended to help the public better understand lawmakers’ attitudes toward environmental issues by examining legislative processes directly.”
“Through this study, we hope voters can make smarter choices by tracing candidates’ track records,” said Desmarita Murni from Change.org Indonesia.
“Voters can also assess the extent to which lawmakers in Senayan truly listen to the aspirations being voiced.”
She noted that a public petition urging Parliament and the government to pass the Conservation Bill has gathered more than 800,000 signatures at www.change.org/revisiUUKonservasi, yet it has still not received adequate attention or follow-up.
EDITOR’S NOTE
The full report and infographic can be accessed here.
WikiDPR is a non-profit media and communication organization founded in Jakarta in 2014 as a citizen initiative to promote transparency in parliamentary work.
Change.org is an open online petition platform enabling anyone, anywhere to launch social campaigns for positive change, including environmental protection, democracy, anti-corruption, and other issues.
Yayasan Madani Berkelanjutan is a non-profit organization working to bridge engagement among stakeholders—government, private sector, and civil society—toward innovative solutions for forest and land governance.
Media Contacts
Jeanne Sanjaya – Change.org Indonesia (+62 878-2220-4401)
Luluk Uliyah – Yayasan Madani Berkelanjutan (+62 815-1986-8887)
