THE FOREST PRODUCTS INDUSTRY IN SOUTHEAST-ASIA - AN EMPHASIS ON INDONESIA

Wood production has increased rapidly in Southeast Asia in recent years. Harvesting intensity has also increased dramatically, to such an extent that the destruction of the tropical rainforest is of great concern to many people. This paper discusses the forest resources of three major wood-producing countries of Southeast Asia: Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, and the utilization of these resources in world markets. Because Indonesia is now the largest timber producer in the region, special emphasis is placed on the development of its forest products industry. Concern for the tropical forest and the effect of sustainable forestry development on the growth of the forest products industry, the economy. and the social environment are discussed.