RRI.CO.ID, Riau - Ministry of Forestry, officially launched a reforestation program in Tesso Nilo National Park as part of efforts to restore the forest ecosystem in Riau Province on 3 March 2026. The launch was conducted directly by the Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, and attended by officials from the central government, local government, and law enforcement officials.

In his speech, the Minister of Forestry emphasized that the restoration of Tesso Nilo is a national priority because this area has very important ecological value.

"We cannot delay the recovery efforts any longer. Tesso Nilo is an important habitat for the Sumatran Elephant and various other wildlife. If we do not take action now, we are jeopardizing the future of the central Sumatra's ecosystem," Raja Juli stated.

This reforestation is a follow-up to the policy of rehabilitating the function of forest areas that have been under pressure due to land conversion. The government targets the gradual elimination of oil palm plantations and their replacement with forest plants that have high ecological value.

At the initial stage in 2026, the rehabilitation will focus on an area of 2,574 hectares. Meanwhile, by 2028, the total restoration target will reach 66,704 hectares. At the launch site, the inaugural planting was carried out in an area of approximately 400 hectares of former oil palm plantation with 2,000 forest plant seedlings.

According to him, this program is structured based on scientific studies involving various research institutions and academics, so the types of plants cultivated truly support the availability of food and habitat for wildlife.

"This recovery is built on a strong scientific foundation. We ensure that the species planted have ecological functions, serving as both a food source and shelter for wildlife, especially the Sumatran elephant," he said.

In addition to ecological approaches, the government is also strengthening governance aspects through law enforcement, restorative justice approaches, persuasive and gradual community relocation, and clearing and cleaning land status.