Forest Peoples Programme, on behalf of the Dayak Bahau Busaang indigenous community of Long Isun, filed a Policy for Association complaint against Roda Mas Timber Kalimantan alleging “violation of traditional and human rights in forestry operations” and “conversion of High Conservation Value Forests in forestry operations” by PT. Kemakmurn Berkah Timber (PT. KBT). PT. KBT is majority owned under Roda Mas of the Harita Group* and as such the complaint is against the several FSC certified companies of Roda Mas of the Harita Group under FSC’s definition of indirect involvement.
FSC accepted the complaint but deferred proceeding with a formal investigation in accordance with FSC-PRO-01-009 due to the resource and travel restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 crisis.
FSC encouraged both parties of the complaint to engage in an alternative dispute resolution process to address the grievances referenced in the complaint. However, this process had to be stopped due to the self-termination of its FSC certificates by Roda Mas. Consequently, FSC initiated a direct decision process. Based on the recommendations of a panel of experts, FSC decided to disassociate from the Harita group of companies.
A summary of steps taken and outcomes in the case to date.
FSC has decided to disassociate from the Harita group of companies after a panel of external experts found that PT. Roda Mas Timber Kalimantan (PT. RMTK), member of the Harita group was in breach of the FSC Policy for Association. Evidence shows that PT. RMTK violated the rights of its workers as set out in the International Labour Organization (ILO) Core Conventions. For more information, read FSC's announcement here.
FSC has decided to continue processing this case and pursue the direct decision pathway. A decision panel of external experts has been constituted to apply the provisions of FSC´s Policy for Association (PfA).
FSC will not proceed with the alternative dispute resolution process with the Harita group after its corporate group member and FSC certificate holder, PT Roda Mas Timber Kalimantan (RMTK), self-terminated their FSC certificate in 2022.
FSC begins development of criteria to assess whether the use of mediation or other alternative dispute resolution measure can be an effective tool in resolving this dispute.
FSC accepts complaint but delays processing it under FSC-PRO-009 until May 2021 due to COVID-19. FSC has requested that the parties reach a process agreement towards addressing the grievances found in the complaint.
FPP files complaint against Roda Mas of the Harita Group on behalf of the Dayak Bahau Busaang indigenous community of Long Isun.