The Indonesian government has raised serious concerns over the European Union Deforestation Regulation, or EUDR, saying it imposes a heavy administrative burden on smallholders while lacking clarity and consistency in its enforcement. When it comes into force at the end of this year, the EUDR will ban imports into the EU market of seven forest related commodities - soy, palm oil, coffee, cocoa, timber, rubber and beef - associated with deforestation and illegality. It will require producers and companies trading these commodities into the EU to provide detailed evidence proving they weren't produced from land deforested since 2020.

Indonesia, as the world's largest palm oil producer and also a major exporter of timber, coffee, cocoa and rubber, stands to be significantly affected by the EUDR. The government is working with the EU to prepare producers and traders for full compliance ahead of the EUDR's enforcement date of Dec. 30, 2025. However, concerns remain that the EU must address, Indonesian Deputy Foreign Minister Arief Havas Oegroseno said at a March 20 dialogue hosted by the NGO Kaoem Telapak in Jakarta.