This policy-brief examines a two year moratorium on new permits for primary natural forest and peat land that came into force in Indonesia on May 20th 2011. The brief aims to inform a range of decision-making actors in developing countries about the nature of improved forestry management in the face of a changing climate. It is asserted that the moratorium demonstrates progress in the areas of: data transparency, industry buy-in, political support and institutional co-ordination. In order to extend the benefits of the two year moratorium, it is recommended that there should be a concerted focus on: licensing and spatial planning reform, capacity building for data transparency, monitoring and enforcement, vertical coordination with provincial and district governments and metrics for success.