Lawmakers Approve Key Revision to 1990 Conservation Law

Summary:
Lawmakers have passed a significant revision to the 1990 Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation Law, aiming to enhance legal protections for wildlife and the environment. The revision was approved unanimously by all nine House party factions during a plenary session led by Deputy Speaker Muhaimin Iskandar. House Commission IV’s Deputy Chair, Budisatrio Djiwandono, emphasized the need for the update due to evolving conservation paradigms and international laws. The new law aims to clarify the roles of public and indigenous communities and secure funding for conservation activities. Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar highlighted the revision’s importance for sustainable resource use while supporting community welfare. The law’s revision responds to past inadequacies in penalties for wildlife crimes and has been a legislative priority since 2018, despite previous delays and halts in its deliberation.