Premier Cho Jung-tai of Executive Yuan held discussions yesterday (November 7) with legislative groups across political parties to address the general budget proposal. A consensus was reached regarding the Logging Ban Compensation for Lands Reserved for Indigenous Peoples Act. Following thorough consultations between Executive Yuan and legislative groups, it was agreed that in compliance with Article 91 of the Budget Act and Article 5 of the Fiscal Discipline Act, an additional budget will be allocated to provide funding for the compensation program.

The Council of Indigenous Peoples (CIP) stated that the Logging Ban Compensation for Lands Reserved for Indigenous Peoples Act, amended and passed by Legislative Yuan in June this year, was promulgated and enacted by President Lai. Since then, the CIP has been actively preparing the budget to secure the required funds for increased compensation. In July, the CIP also requested local governments to earmark funding for the NT$60,000-per-hectare compensation for 2025. Preparations have been carried out according to the Regulations Governing the Implementation of Logging Ban Compensation for Lands Reserved for Indigenous Peoples, with the goal of disbursing the NT$60,000 compensation in September 2025 as mandated by law.

CIP Minister Ljaucu Zingrur further elaborated that the consensus reached in yesterday's cross-party discussions that recommended an additional budget to address compensation needs represents the most appropriate resolution. The CIP will meticulously calculate and verify the precise amounts required and provide detailed explanations during Legislative Yuan's review of the supplementary budget. Minister Ljaucu Zingrur expressed gratitude to Executive Yuan for its commitment to protecting the rights of indigenous peoples and to legislators across parties for their care and support. The CIP will continue to actively promote the logging ban compensation program, furthering the legislative goals of safeguarding national land, conserving water resources, protecting the environment and natural ecosystems, addressing climate change, and mitigating natural disasters.