Minister of Forestry and Norwegian Ambassador Visit Way Kambas, Strengthen Protection of Sumatran Elephants

Barriers for Elephant Conflict Mitigation

The group then reviewed the readiness of the barrier infrastructure that was built as part of mitigating negative interactions between Sumatran elephants and communities around the area.

During the review, Raja Juli was accompanied by the Chair of the Joint Committee for Mitigation and Handling of Negative Interactions with Sumatran Elephants, Brigadier General TNI Sriyanto. He explained the progress of infrastructure development and mitigation systems that were being prepared.

The existence of a barrier does not only function as a physical barrier. This infrastructure is designed to be part of an integrated mitigation system to reduce the possibility of elephants leaving conservation areas and entering residential areas and community land.

It is hoped that strengthening infrastructure and monitoring systems can provide a sense of security to the community while supporting better management of Sumatran Elephants.

Use of Elephant Chains Will Be Reduced

The attention of the Minister of Forestry and the Norwegian Ambassador was also focused on the tame elephants who have been assisting in conflict management and mitigation activities in Way Kambas.

Raja Juli explained that the elephants needed a gradual adaptation process. As barriers and regional security systems become more complete and functional, it is hoped that the use of chains on tame elephants will continue to be reduced.