Indonesia’s New Decree to Protect Elephants and Farmers' Livelihoods
- 14 Jul 2026 07:46 WIB
- Voice of Indonesia
Key Points
- Indonesia issued Presidential Instruction No. 8/2026 to strengthen elephant conservation and reduce human-elephant conflict.
- The policy protects both elephant populations and the livelihoods of local communities living near elephant habitats.
RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The issuance of Presidential Instruction No. 8/2026 on the Protection of Elephant Populations brings a fresh impetus to resolving the long-standing conflicts between people and wildlife in Indonesia. The new policy initiated by the Forestry Minister not only focuses on elephant preservation, but also provides a legal framework to protect the habitat and the livelihoods of local farmers living around those habitats.
Chairperson of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) Asian Elephant Specialist Group, Heidi Riddle, described Presidential Instruction No. 8/2026 as a milestone for elephant protection. She noted that the policy is a clear sign of the Indonesian government’s strong commitment to building cross-sectoral, collaborative conservation.
“The issuance of Presidential Instruction No. 8/2026 on the Protection of Elephant Populations is a significant milestone for elephant conservation in Indonesia and sends a very positive signal to the Asian elephant conservation community. Elephant conservation has never been easy,” she said in Jakarta on Monday, 13 July 2026.
According to Heidi, elephant conservation requires an approach that engages many stakeholders because elephant habitats span multiple administrative boundaries and development sectors.
“As a species with large home ranges that cross administrative boundaries, elephants’ survival depends heavily on cross-sector cooperation. This cooperation must include not only protected-area management, but also spatial planning, infrastructure development, the plantation sector, local administrations, and other stakeholders,” she said, as quoted by Antara.
She emphasized that the government’s whole-of-government approach is reflected in the Presidential Instruction. The step demonstrates the Forestry Minister’s strong commitment to strengthening protection for this protected species.
“I extend my appreciation to Minister Raja Juli Antoni and the Indonesian government for their leadership and commitment in enacting this important policy,” she added.
Heidi noted that implementing the policy will require time and consistency, but the Presidential Instruction provides a solid foundation to accelerate protection of Indonesia’s elephant populations.
She also affirmed that the IUCN SSC Asian Elephant Specialist Group stands ready to continue supporting the Indonesian government. The group will do this by sharing experience, scientific knowledge, and expertise from its members across Asian elephant range countries. ***
News Recomendation
Loading latest news.....