Sumatran Elephant Corridor and Basic Resident Services are a Concern in Bengkalis

GARISBUMI.com – BENGKALIS, GARISBUMI.com | Protecting conservation areas and providing basic services for the people who have lived there for a long time is the concern of the Bengkalis Regency Government together with the Riau Natural Resources Conservation Center (BBKSDA). These development needs are discussed by emphasizing location boundaries, scope and cooperation mechanisms.

The discussion took place at a cooperation evaluation meeting and socialization of the Sumatran elephant corridor at the Bengkalis Regent's Office, Tuesday (3/11/2026), according to a statement from the Bengkalis Regency Government Prokopim.

Head of Bappeda Bengkalis Regency, Rinto, said that development needs to pay attention to ecological aspects as well as the socio-economic needs of the community, especially residents who have lived in conservation areas for a long time.

"On the one hand, we must take good care of the ecological aspect, but on the other hand we must not ignore the social and economic dimensions of the community. People who have been in the area for a long time certainly have the right to receive the same services," said Rinto.

Basic services through cooperative mechanisms

Head of BBKSDA Riau Supartono said that the existence of old villages and settlements in conservation areas requires joint coordination, including to support accessibility and basic services.

According to Supartono, conservation areas have special provisions for implementing development. Strategic activities are possible through cooperation mechanisms while still following applicable regulations.