RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - National Police Chief General, Listyo Sigit Prabowo, along with Chairperson of Commission IV of the House of Representatives Siti Hediati Hariyadi, also known as Titiek Soeharto, visited the elephant conservation area at Tesso Nilo National Park (TNTN) in Riau on Tuesday. On this occasion, the National Police Chief ensured that the restoration of the Tesso Nilo area for elephant conservation is running smoothly and safely. He said this is in line with President Prabowo Subianto's attention to restore the population of Sumatran elephants in the conservation area.

"Earlier, the Riau Forestry Service said that the current elephant population in this area is very small, so it should be given back its habitat and space," he said in a press conference. He mentioned that there will be a restoration of 81 thousand hectares of land in the Tesso Nilo area to become a conservation area for Sumatran elephants.

On the other hand, the National Police Chief ensured that all ranks will continue to protect and take firm action against perpetrators of crimes against wildlife and forest destruction. He also appreciated the quick action of the Riau Regional Police in uncovering the case of elephant death and ivory theft that occurred some time ago.

"Please take firm action so that the remaining elephant population can be truly protected and preserved, and the conservation area can be in accordance with the elephant population so that it can develop," he emphasized.

Meanwhile, Titiek also encouraged efforts to restore the Tesso Nilo area in Riau according to its function as a National Park to become a conservation area for flora and fauna. "Because of President Prabowo's high concern, Tesso Nilo National Park must be restored to its function as a national park, primarily as a habitat for elephants that we must protect," she explained.

Titiek advised that the relocation of people who are already in the Tesso Nilo area should be done properly and without violence. She asked that a relocation area be prepared first before moving the community. "Don't just evict them without preparation. Let's work together to preserve the national park and the community living in it," she said.

Thus, it is hoped that the Tesso Nilo area can become a safe and sustainable habitat for Sumatran elephants. The National Police Chief and Titiek also hoped that the community can support this conservation effort and the Ministry of Forestry can collaborate with the National Police to protect the Tesso Nilo National Park area.

Source : Humas Polri