Govt Prepares Strategy to Protect Sumatran, Bornean Elephants

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni is preparing strategic measures to protect the populations and habitats of Sumatran and Bornean elephants, including issuing a Presidential Instruction (Inpres). Both species are currently classified as Critically Endangered (CR).

“This Presidential Instruction represents the government’s commitment to preserving wildlife habitats amid rapid development. The focus now is on how these ideas can be effectively implemented on the ground,” Minister Raja Juli said during a meeting with environmental activists and influencers in Jakarta on Friday, May 8, 2026.

He revealed that the number of elephant habitats has declined from 42 areas previously to only 21 today.

The government will therefore prioritize preserving and improving the quality of the remaining ecosystems. The strategy includes constructing wildlife corridors to reconnect fragmented habitats caused by land-use conversion.

Conservation aspects are also being integrated into infrastructure projects. Raja Juli cited future highway construction as an example, stressing that mapped elephant home ranges must be considered.

“If there is road construction, there must be a solution, such as an underpass or tunnel, so elephants can still cross and not become isolated,” he said.

In addition to habitat restoration, the government is addressing ongoing human-elephant conflicts in several areas, including Way Kambas. Plans are underway to build barriers to reduce potential conflicts that cause losses for both communities and wildlife.

The ministry also emphasized the importance of measurable population growth targets for elephants within the Conservation Strategy and Action Plan (SRAK), ensuring the program’s effectiveness can be regularly evaluated. (Gusti Panji/Lasti Martina)