Last month Environmental Leader Magazine published an article of mine addressing how modern forestry supports economic development in Indonesia.

Over dinner, a good friend questioned …“How does a born and raised Canadian claim to understand the challenges and economic impact of the forestry industry in Indonesia?”

The answer is simple: First-hand experience. Over my tenure working with Asia Pulp & Paper Group (APP), I have spent a lot of time in Indonesia and the rainforest. The reality is that Indonesia is a developing country with more than 30 million people living below the poverty line. But it is also a strong nation with tremendous economic growth potential.

As you drive around the country one can’t help but see extensive poverty, but as you get closer to a mill, you truly see tremendous change, including both economic and infrastructure development.  Roads close to the mills are paved, restaurants and shops are open to support the thousands of factory workers and truck drivers, and within walking distance of mills, you can find grocery stores, schools and medical facilities – even motor scooter repair shops. There is no doubt that the pulp & paper and other forest-based industry are helping to alleviate poverty.  Asia Pulp & Paper alone has created hundreds of thousands jobs for people in Indonesia and more than a million jobs worldwide in downstream and supporting industries.

Witnessing this economic growth first hand, speaking directly with people in the community, and seeing true change, makes this Canadian capable of commenting on the impact of the forest-based industry in Indonesia.

As a company that is committed to transparency, we encourage our customers, stakeholders and even critics to take a look at our real track record…Seeing is really believing.

Tags: APP, Asia Pulp & Paper, Asia Pulp and Paper, pulp and paper industry, sustainability