Lampung Accelerates Embankment Project to Mitigate Human-Elephant Conflict

RRI.CO.ID, Bandarlampung – The Lampung Provincial Administration plans to construct an 11-kilometer security embankment spanning Way Jepara Subdistrict to address ongoing conflicts between residents and wild Sumatran elephants within the Way Kambas National Park (TNWK) area in East Lampung.

Yanyan Ruchyansyah, Head of the Lampung Provincial Forestry Agency, said that the Governor of Lampung has taken concrete steps to realize this mitigation infrastructure by seeking budgetary support from the central government.

“The Governor of Lampung has submitted a proposal for the embankment construction, valued at approximately IDR 105 billion (USD 6.64 million), to the Ministry of Public Works through the Directorate General of Water Resources. We will continue to monitor the process closely to ensure implementation within this year,” said Yanyan in a statement on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

According to Yanyan, the embankment is designed as a physical barrier to restrict the movement of wild elephants and prevent them from venturing outside conservation zones. This is considered crucial for protecting the elephant population while providing a sense of security for communities living in the TNWK buffer villages.

“The security embankment is necessary to confine elephant movement within Way Kambas National Park, thereby reducing conflict risks for both the wild elephants and the local community,” he explained.

He further clarified that the typology of human-elephant conflict varies by region, requiring adaptive mitigation methods.

Conflict classifications range from low-frequency minor incidents to severe, high-impact cases. Consequently, a combination of precise solutions is required for every kilometer of the park boundary.

“Certain areas require embankments, others need electric fencing (power fences), and some sections may only require wire fencing,” added Yanyan.

The government expressed hope that these efforts will enhance the effectiveness of forest ranger patrols in securing the habitat. Beyond technical aspects, the project is expected to foster solid collaboration between park management and local residents to minimize conflict frequency.

The Lampung Provincial Administration emphasizes that serious stakeholder commitment is required to accelerate this plan. This effort is vital to prevent further casualties while maintaining a balance in conservation. (Annaila Azzahra/Bambang MBKA)