Photo: The SFM-IFCC assessor team with PT Balikpapan Wana Lestari’s management and technical staff after the final audit phase
BALIKPAPAN – PT Balikpapan Wana Lestari (BWL) reached a new milestone in responsible forest management. The company has recently obtained a Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) certification through the Indonesian Forestry Certification Cooperation (IFCC) scheme in early September 2026.
This achievement makes BWL the first forest utilization business permit (PBPH) holder in Kalimantan to secure the certification through IFCC.
It also puts BWL as the third Korindo Group subsidiary to be certified for natural forest management after Papua-based PT Tunas Timber Lestari (TTL) and PT Inocin Abadi (IA).
Alternatively known as SFM-IFCC, this voluntary certification was pursued by BWL to meet global market demands. In the process, BWL worked with the independent certification body PT Mutuagung Lestari Tbk, which acted as the assessor.
SFM-IFCC is recognized and endorsed by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). This acknowledgment shows that Indonesian standards now align with international benchmarks.
Margana, a manager at BWL’s Forest Resources Division, vowed, “Getting SFM-IFCC doesn’t mean the end of our work to sustainably manage forest areas. Instead, [we see] this as the start of continuous innovation and improvement to meet global demands and standards.”
The company covered all the necessary bases for the certification: commitment from the management, paperwork, as well as compliance with infrastructure and sustainable forest management standards.
Photo: This achievement makes BWL the first forest utilization business permit (PBPH) holder in Kalimantan to secure the certification through IFCC
Assessment results show that BWL fulfilled certification requirements outlined in the SFM-IFCC standard IFCC ST 1001:2021. Its certificate was issued under the registration number SFM-IFCC-MUTU-020 on September 7, 2026, and is valid until September 6, 2029.
BWL’s success highlights its measured and standard-driven approach to implementing sustainable forest management principles. Through the certification, the company has also brought independent recognition to its management practices.
Yet, as Margana said, SFM-IFCC isn’t the end goal. This initiative must be followed by ongoing efforts to ensure all requirements of SFM-IFCC 1001:2021 are continually met.
Full management support — especially through 4M (man, money, material, and method) provision — will be essential to maintain the company’s certification and standards.
Even so, BWL’s recent move has further strengthened its methods and strategies, while increasing the number of companies under Korindo Group whose sustainable management practices are approved worldwide through third-party certification schemes. (PR)
